Remediating effects of coral fossils on hematobiochemical, histo accumulation and organ histomorphological changes in...

Chromium is one of the most noxious toxins that causes toxic effects in poultry. Coral fossils contain calcium, magnesium and other minerals and have antibacterial, fungistatic and anti-oxidative action. In our previous study, coral fossils showed protective effects against lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) toxicities in broilers. Our current study evaluated the effects of coral fossil on blood biochemistry and organ histology in chromium (Cr) exposed broilers. 90-day-old broiler chicks were randomly assigned to three equal groups, each containing 30. Group A acted as control, receiving the standard poultry ration. Group B received a daily dose of chromium at 22 mg/kg body weight; meanwhile, Group C received the same chromium dose combined with 1 g/kg body weight of coral fossils. On day 30, blood was collected for hematological and serum biochemical analysis, while samples (muscle, liver, and kidney) were collected for chromium residues (ICP-MS) and histopathology. Results showed that Cr exposure significantly reduced TEC (P < 0.001), Hb (P < 0.001), and PCV (P < 0.001), whereas coral fossil restored TEC (P < 0.001), improved Hb (P < 0.05), and partially restored PCV (P < 0.01). Serum AST (P < 0.01) and ALT (P < 0.05) increased with chromium but declined after coral fossil supplementation (P < 0.01). Coral fossils also reduced serum creatinine (P < 0.01). In the lipid profile, it decreased cholesterol (P < 0.05), triglycerides (P < 0.01), and LDL (P < 0.05), while raising HDL (P < 0.05). Chromium residues in muscle, liver, and kidney were significantly lowered by coral fossil (P < 0.05). In histopathology, severe changes were found in the liver with hepatocyte swelling and perivascular inflammation, also tubular degeneration was found in the kidney in case of chromium treated broiler which was minimized when coral fossil was added. These findings suggest that coral fossil supplementation mitigates chromium-induced physiological disturbances in broiler chickens.