College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, N. D. University of Agriculture & Technology, Kumarganj, Faizabad - 224229, India.
Present Address: 1 Division of Veterinary Pharmacology & Toxicology, I V R I, Izatnagar, Bareilly, U. P.
The study was conducted in thirty-five, four weeks old male white leghorn chicks. They were randomly divided into five groups i.e. I (control), II (lead 50 ppm), III (lead 100 ppm), IV (lead 50 ppm + tulsi 100 ppm) and V (lead 100 ppm + tulsi 100 ppm) of seven birds each. The clinical and hematological changes were studied following 12 weeks feeding trial. There were no apparent clinical sign in treated group but there were a significant (p < 0.01) decline in total erythrocyte count (TEC, x 106/mm3), hemoglobin (g/dl) and TLC (103/mm3) in the chicks fed on 50 ppm and 100 ppm lead after 8 weeks onward in comparison to control and significantly (p < 0.01) increases in lead + tulsi group. Lead alters the other hematological parameter but simultaneous feeding of tulsi neutralizes the toxic effect of lead. Lead induces toxic effects in cockerels but simultaneous feeding of tulsi can normalize the hematological status that is due to protective efficacy of tulsi.
Lead, Oral administration, Protective efficacy, Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Chicks
