Studies on clinical signs, body weight and haematological changes in broiler chickens following sodium chloride intoxication

Sodium chloride toxicity was induced experimentally by incorporating it in feed at 2 and 4% levels. The clinical signs observed were decreased appetite, increased water intake, dullness, ruffled feathers, watery droppings, defeathering of abdominal skin, muscular weakness and stunted growth. These signs were more severe in birds given higher (4%) concentration of salt. A significant decrease in body weight was noticed in both the treated groups. Haematological studies revealed significant increase in haemoglobin, packed cell volume and total erythrocyte count in both the treated groups throughout the experiment. However, the values of mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration were inconsistent with no significant alteration. Leucocytosis with significant increase in lymphocytes alongwith heteropenia was seen in sodium chloride treated groups.