Monensin toxicosis in broiler chickens

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Pathology
• Toxicology
• Avian Medicine

Background:

• Monensin sodium is a widely used coccidiostat in poultry production.
• Understanding its toxicological effects is crucial for animal welfare and food safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the pathological effects of monensin sodium toxicosis in chickens.
• To characterize the microscopic lesions in cardiac and skeletal muscle tissues.

Main Methods:

• Chickens were administered varying doses of monensin sodium (150-250 mg/kg).
• Clinical signs and gross lesions were recorded.
• Histopathological examination of ventricular myocardium and skeletal muscles (pectoralis, anterior latissimus dorsi, sartorius) was performed.

Main Results:

• Monensin sodium administration resulted in clinical signs of toxicosis, including weakness, anorexia, paralysis, and death.
• Gross lesions included emaciation, congestion, myocardial enlargement, and hydropericardium.
• Microscopic findings showed severe intermyofibrillar vacuolation (neutral fat) in myocardium and red muscle, moderate vacuolation in intermediate fibers, myofiber necrosis in red muscle, mitochondrial degeneration in myocardium, and inflammatory infiltration.

Conclusions:

• Monensin sodium causes significant cardiac and skeletal muscle damage in chickens at elevated doses.
• The observed lesions, including lipid accumulation and myofiber necrosis, highlight the myotoxic effects of monensin sodium.
• These findings underscore the importance of adhering to recommended dosage guidelines for monensin sodium in poultry.