TOXICO-PATHOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF FORMALIN (37% FORMALDEHYDE) FEEDING IN BROILER CHICKS

• Main Author: A. M. Babar, M. Z. Khan, Shabbir Ahmad1, A. Khan, H. A. Bachaya and M. I. Anwar
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 2001-01-01
• Series: Pakistan Veterinary Journal
• Subjects: Formalin; Broiler chicks; Toxico-pathological effects
• Online Access: http://pvj.com.pk/abstract/21_1/3.htm

One hundred day-old broiler chicks kept in five equal groups (A-E) were given formalin (37% formaldehyde} at dose levels of 20, 10, 5, 2.5 and 0 ml/kg feed for 7 weeks. Body weight and feed intake of the birds fed 2.5 ml formalin/kg feed was non-significantly different from control whereas higher formalin levels groups had significantly lower values. Formalin at 2.5 and 5.0 ml/kg feed level did not produce clinical signs in the birds but Higher doses of formalin resulted in depression, somnolence and a staggering gait. Necrotic and ulcerative areas on the mucosa of crop, proventriculus and petechial hemorrhages were observed on the mucosa of small intestine. Liver and kidneys did not show any specific microscopic changes. The no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of formalin appeared to lie between 2.5 and 5 ml/ kg feed.