Hematology and histopathology of broiler chickens supplemented with tuna black flour

Abstract

The present study evaluated the effect of the sex and dietary intake of tuna black flour (TBF)on the hematology and histopathology of broiler chickens. A total of 200 sexed broilers (Ross 380) were distributed according to a completely randomized design into four treatments (25 males and 25 females/experimental group). Different levels of inclusion of TBF (0, 1, 2, and 3%) were offered as a source of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs), for 42 d. At the end of the experiment, blood samples and tissues were collected. The hematocrit value (Hemat), total protein (PROT-T), hemoglobin concentration (Hemog), erythrocytes concentration (Erythro) and total count and differential of leucocytes (Leuco): lymphocytes, heterophils, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils were determined. Statistical analysis of the data was performed using the Analysis of Variance test, Duncan’s multiple range test, and descriptive analyses (p<0.05). Samples of heart, liver, and bursa of Fabricius were processed with the routine histological technique. The sex had no significant effect on the hematology. The feeding additional with 3% TBF had lower level of Hemat value and PROT-T. The Leuco had lower value with 1 and 2% of TBF. The Monocytes showed low value with 1 and 2% of TBF, and the eosinophils had high level with 1% of TBF. No cardiac lesions were detected in the broiler chickens in all treatments, normal deposition of fat in the epicardium, endocardium and pericardium were seen in all treatments.