Intoxication Induced by Urea Containing Diets in Broiler Chickens: Effect on Weight Gain, Feed Conversion Ratio, Hematological and Biochemical Profiles
Urea as a source of cheap non-protein nitrogen is used to adulterate fish
and meat meals which are basic components of
broiler diets. The present studywas
carried out to elucidate the effects of urea on weight gain, and hematological
and biochemical profiles. A total of 48 broiler chicks were randomly allotted
into 4 groups, designated Groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 of 12 birds each. Birds in Groups
2, 3 and 4 were fed on diets containing urea at the levels of 1%, 2.5% and 4%,respectively. Birds in Group 1 served as
control and were not exposed to urea. Experimentation period was for 3 weeks
and experiment was terminated when birds were 42 days of age. Body weight
of all intoxicated birds at the various
intervals was significantly decreased in comparison with that of the
untreated control. Compared with control, all intoxicated broilers manifested significant (P ≤ 0.05) decrease
in all hematological parameters involving
erythrocytic and total leucocytic
counts, Hemoglobin (Hb) and Packed Cell Volume (PCV) on a dose- and
time-pattern. In comparison with the control levels, biochemical profile
of the intoxicated birds disclosed significant decrease in blood glucose level
and significant increase in serum uric acid, urea, Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)
and Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) levels. Based upon the present data, it was concluded that the addition of urea to
broiler diets bears serious sequences
concerning the general health condition, performance, weight gain, and
hematological and biochemical profiles.
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