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Experimental Azadirachta indica toxicosis in chicks
I A Ibrahim1, S A Omer, F H Ibrahim
1Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Khartoum, Sudan.
Veterinary and Human Toxicology
|June 1, 1992
Summary
Feeding Azadirachta indica ripe fruit to young chicks negatively impacted growth and feed efficiency. High doses caused severe liver and kidney damage, anemia, and altered blood chemistry, with lasting effects.
Area of Science:
- Animal Nutrition
- Toxicology
- Avian Health
Background:
- Azadirachta indica (Neem) is traditionally used in animal feed.
- Potential toxicological effects of high concentrations of A. indica in poultry diets are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the toxicological effects of varying dietary levels of Azadirachta indica ripe fruit on young Brown Hisex chicks.
- To assess the impact on growth, feed utilization, hematology, and organ histopathology.
Main Methods:
- Brown Hisex chicks were fed diets containing 2%, 5%, or 10% Azadirachta indica ripe fruit from 7 to 35 days of age.
- Evaluated body weight gain, feed utilization efficiency, serum biochemistry (LDH, GOT, ALP, total protein, uric acid), and performed histopathological examination of liver and kidney tissues.
Main Results:
- A dose-dependent decrease in body weight gain and feed utilization efficiency was observed with increasing A. indica levels.
- Hepatonephropathy, anemia, elevated LDH, GOT, ALP, and uric acid, along with decreased serum total protein, were most pronounced in the 10% A. indica group.
- Histopathological examination revealed damage to hepatocytes and renal tubular cells, which did not fully recover 2 weeks after diet withdrawal.
Conclusions:
- Dietary supplementation with high levels of Azadirachta indica ripe fruit is toxic to young chicks.
- A. indica at 10% in the diet causes significant growth retardation, metabolic disturbances, and organ damage in poultry.
- Further research is needed to determine safe inclusion levels and potential long-term effects.