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Dietary nickel chloride induces oxidative intestinal damage in broilers
Bangyuan Wu1, Hengmin Cui, Xi Peng
1Key Laboratory of Animal Diseases and Environmental Hazards of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, China. wubangyuan2008@163.com
Summary
Dietary nickel chloride (NiCl2) above 300 mg/kg causes oxidative damage in broiler intestines. This negatively impacts intestinal function and health, highlighting the need for careful feed management.
Area of Science:
- Animal Nutrition
- Toxicology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Nickel chloride (NiCl2) is a compound that can be present in animal feed.
- Excessive levels of certain minerals can lead to toxicity and adverse health effects in livestock.
- Oxidative stress is a key factor in cellular damage and disease development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of dietary nickel chloride (NiCl2) on oxidative damage in the intestinal mucosa of broilers.
- To determine the specific intestinal segments affected (duodenum, jejunum, ileum).
- To identify the threshold level of NiCl2 that induces significant oxidative damage.
Main Methods:
- A 42-day feeding trial with 240 broilers divided into four groups.
- Diets included a control and supplementation with 300, 600, or 900 mg/kg NiCl2.
- Analysis of antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, GSH-Px), hydroxy radical inhibition, glutathione (GSH) content, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels.
Main Results:
- Significant decreases in SOD, CAT, GSH-Px activities, hydroxy radical inhibition, and GSH content in NiCl2-treated groups compared to controls.
- Significant increases in MDA content in NiCl2-treated groups, indicating lipid peroxidation.
- These changes were observed across the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum.
Conclusions:
- Dietary NiCl2 exceeding 300 mg/kg induces oxidative damage in the broiler intestinal mucosa.
- This oxidative damage impairs intestinal absorptive and mucosal immune functions.
- Oxidative stress is a primary mechanism underlying the adverse effects of NiCl2 on broiler intestinal health.
