Effect of vitamin C and E administration on haemoglobin and packed cell volume in chicken

Abstract

There is an increasing interest on the effect of antioxidant in the treatment of certain pathological conditions.A low haemoglobin(Hb) and packed cell volume (PCV) level in chicken were induced, by feeding them Hypericumperforatum (Aran) at a dose of (2.5) gm/kg orally in gelatin capsules and exposing them to direct sunlight at noon for (20) minutes. Experimental animals were divided into seven groups; each group consists of six animals, Vitamins C or E was administered either before Aran administration orafter cessation of Aran administration.Aran toxicity associated with several clinical signs including photosensitivity, itching, redness of skin, hyperkeratosis of comb and shaking of head and keratoconjunctivitis. In addition a significant lowering of Hb and PCV level. Vitamin C and E significantly effective in elevating the reduced Hb and PCV level when these vitamins were administered one hour before the administration of Aran or after cessation the administration of Aran, besides all the clinical signs were abolished except the persistence of mild keratinization of comb and redness of cornea, when these animals were examined in the last day of experiment.This study suggests the use of either vitamin C or E either as prophylactic against toxicity with this plant, or as medication in case of toxicity.