Pathological and biochemical evaluations of experimental cottonseed poisoning (gossypol toxicosis) in white broiler chickens

Abstract

Cottonseed poisoning was produced experimentally in white broiler chickens. Ten-day-old sixty chickens were divided into five groups. Each group, composed of twelve animals, was fed on ground cottonseed added to the daily commercial ration in the ratio of 0% (Group I - Control group), 5% (Group II), 10% (Group III), 15 % (Group IV) and 20% (Group V) for seven weeks. The most important clinical findings were losses in the growth rate and distended crop. Total death rate in all trial groups was recorded as 23%. Macroscopically, main lesions observed, were severe edema and congestion of the lungs; an accumulation of frothy fluid in the trachea; pale heart with marked dilatation of the ventricles; distention of the crop; diffuse focal ulcers on the mucosa of the crop and proventriculus; severe congestion and focal necrosis of the liver. In addition, moderate congestion of the spleen and kidney was also noticed. Microscopic lesions related to macroscopic ones in these organs were confirmed as well. In the biochemical examinations, it was found that the activities of liver and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) enzymes were increased and levels of total abumin, glucose and haemoglobin (Hb) were decreased.