HISTOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF THE HEART AND LUNGS OF KUROILER BIRDS FED GRADED LEVELS OF L-ARGININE SUPPLEMENT GOAT BREEDS

Abstract

L-Arginine an amino-acid is reported to have lots of immune functions and growth performance in animals and humans when used within normal range. However, there is no information on the effect of usage of high levels of L-Arginine supplement on the heart and lungs of chickens; hence the objective of this study is to ascertain the effect of high levels of L-arginine supplement on the heart and lungs of kuroiler birds. Employing completely randomized design (CRD), the study was carried out using 99 kuroiler birds of twelve-weeks old, the birds were randomly distributed into three treatments and three replicates with eleven birds per replicate. Feed and water was given daily, 1.4kg of feed and 3litres of water per replicate supplemented with or without L-Arginine. The birds in treatment 1 were given 3 litres of water with 100mg of L-Arginine supplement. The birds in treatment 2 were given 3 litres of water supplemented with 500mg of L-Arginine and the
birds in treatment 3 were given 3 litres of water supplemented with 1000mg of L-Arginine for a period of five consecutive weeks, after which the birds were decapitated. The heart and lungs were removed and taken to histopathological laboratory using Binocular Olympus Model CX21FSI Microscope and 12Mega Pixel Samsung Camera for photomicrographs. The histological analysis of chickens on treatment 2 and 3 of L-arginine supplement shows congestion of vascular channels
and perivascular haemorrhage of the heart and lungs. Over dose of L-arginine supplement can lead to dysfunctional effect of the heart and lungs.