Biochemical and Pathological Aspects of Groundnut Poisoning in Chickens

Abstract

Rhode Island Red chicks were fed from hatching to 8 weeks of age a commercial ration to which was added a highly toxic groundnut meal; groups were killed at regular intervals for biochemical and histological examinations. Growth was severely retarded and the liver/body weight ratio was increased compared with control chicks. Increased hepatic fat, reduced vitamin A storage and fluctuation in the RNA/DNA ratio were also observed. These biochemical features of groundnut toxicity are discussed in relation to pathological changes.