Eimeria acervulina infection and the zinc-cadmium interrelationship in the chick

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of Eimeria acervulina infection (duodenal coccidiosis) on cadmium (Cd) toxicity and zinc (Zn) status in the young chick. Additions of Cd (45 mg/kg) were made to diets that contained either 0 or 52 mg/kg supplemental Zn (from ZnCO3). Duodenal coccidiosis was produced by multiple crop inoculations of 4 X 10(5) sporulated E. acervulina oocysts. Growth and efficiency of feed utilization were reduced by dietary Cd addition while concurrent coccidial infection reduced these parameters further. Addition of Cd also increased Cd content of liver and kidney and depressed hemoglobin, hematocrit, and plasma Zn content. Coccidial infection exacerbated tissue Cd deposition and depressed hematological parameters further. Although dietary Zn addition ameliorated some of the adverse effects of Cd toxicity, Cd administration tended to enhance tissue Zn deposition. Administration of Cd enhanced synthesis of metallothionein.