Toxicopathological Effects of Oral Sodium Arsenite on Production of Layers

Arsenic is a highly toxic metal found in surface as well ground water in many areas of South Asia and can affect humans, animals as well as commercial poultry industry. The present study aimed to assess toxico-pathological effects of arsenic on egg production, quality and health of layers. Seventy-five Hy-Line W-36 layers were divided into four treatment groups (B, C, D, E) which were daily given 1mg, 5mg, 10mg, and 20 mg/kg/bw respectively of sodium arsenite in drinking water for three weeks while one group (A) served as control. The groups were examined weekly for determination of body weight. Further, egg production, weight and quality parameters like albumin, yolk, shell weight, thickness and Haugh unit were assessed. Deleterious effects of sodium arsenite were found to be dose and time dependent. There was a significant decrease in egg production, egg weight, albumin weight, yolk weight, shell weight, shell thickness and Haugh unit. There was decreased feed intake, increased water intake and reduced body weight. In conclusion, the sodium arsenite in drinking water produces adverse effects on egg production and quality of layers in time and dose dependent manner.