Abstract
A study involving 240 broiler chicks was conducted to observe the influence of different levels of pesticide (Lannate) and protein on the haematological picture of the chicks. The results indicated significant decrease in erythrocytic count, haemoglobin contents and packed cell volume but significant increase in erythrocyte sedimentation rate and total leukocyte count due to levels of pesticide at the end of 4, 6 and 8 weeks of age. These parameters were not influenced by the levels of protein except that total leukocytic count at the end of 4 weeks was significantly reduced at lower protein level.
INTRODUCTION
It is reported that huge quantities of different insecticides and pesticides are being used in spraying wheat, cotton, maize and rice crops. The toxic effects of these pesticides may lead to cause hydroperi-cardium and ascites in broilers resulting in "Hydropericardium like syndrome" which has recently emerged as a havoc for poultry farmers (Oureshi, 1989). These pesticides and insecticides are also reported to affect the haematological values of the Japanese quails when ingested through diet (Ernst and Ringer, 1968). It has been reported that haemoglobin content in blood of Japanese quail decreases after the oral ethylene dibromide treatment at the rate of 65 mg/kg body weight (Westlake d al., 1980). Mohiuddin and Ahmad (1986) fed five White Leghorn cockerels with Ekalux pesticide at the rate of 5 mg/bird/day for 20 days and observed significant reduction in total erythrocytes. Similarly, Itturi (1974) observed that continuous administration of DDT (200 ppm) in the feed of adult hens reduced packed cell volume and haemoglobin concentration in the blood.
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The present study was, therefore, under-taken to investigate haematological picture of broiler chicks as influenced by different levels of protein and pesticide (Lannate).
