Experimental study on the intoxication of Gallus gallus domesticus with Crotalaria spectabilis seeds. I - Effect in broiler during the initial fase of growing

Abstract

Crotalaria spectabilis is a leguminous plant widely distributed in Brazil, sometimes utilized to improve soil. Seeds of Crotalaria spectabilis may be harvested unwillingly together with the grains of corn or other cereals when this plant invades crops. Considering that corn is the main component of poultry rations (about 60%), this study was undertaken to investigate the
toxic effect of Crotalaria spectabilis seeds added to the ration in commercial broiler, from the one-day-old to the over 28-dayold birds. Ground seeds were added at different level to the rations: 0.0% (control), 0.01%, 0.1% and 0.4%. Rations containing 0.4% and 0.1% caused symptoms of intoxication, beginning respectively in the third day or during the second week of experiment. Clinical signs included depression, apathy, agglomeration, bristling, anorexia and distended abdomen.The growth was retarded and high mortality occurred during the experiment. Necropsy and histopathological examination revealed prominent ascites and reduction of liver size with degeneration, necrosis and apoptosis of hepatocytes and fibrous connective tissue proliferation. Lymphoid tissue in the bursa was reduced, and picnotic cells were present. Degeneration of tubules of kidneys and interstitial calcification of lungs was also observed. Control poultry and poultry fed with ration containing 0.01% of seeds showed no relevant alterations.