Ph.D Research scholar, Veterinary Medicine Deptt. COV.SC &A.H., Durg, India.

Assistant Prof., Veterinary Medicine Deptt. COV.SC &A.H., Durg, India

Assistant prof., Veterinary Physiol. and Biochem, Deptt. COV.SC &A.H., Durg, India.

Professor & Head, Veterinary Medicine Deptt. COV.SC &A.H., Durg, India.

Professor, Veterinary Medicine Deptt. COV.SC &A.H., Durg, India.
Birds ,Cadmium ,Toxicity ,Tissue ,Growth ,Immunity ,Withania somnifera ,

This study was carried out to determine the changes on growth performance, biochemical parameters, immune response and in tissue changes exposed to cadmium toxicity and the ameliorative potential of Withania somnifera on cadmium induced changes in broiler birds. Chickens were divided into three groups viz. A, B and C. Group A was considered as healthy control and received normal basal diet, whereas group-B and C received cadmium chloride @ 100 mg kg-1 basal diet. In addition to cadmium supplementation, group C also received the Withania somnifera root powder @ 1g kg-1 basal diet. The experiment was continued for the period of 42 days. Significant reduction (p<0.05) in body weight gain and FCR was observed in cadmium exposed birds. The biochemical profile (total protein, albumin, globulin, A: G ratio, BUN, creatine, AST, ALT and ALP) deviated from the normal range and decreased immune response was elicited by birds exposed to cadmium toxicant. The study revealed that co-administration of Withania somnifera with cadmium would be effective in mitigation of deleterious effects of cadmium with respect to growth performance, biochemical parameters, immune response, and also have ameliorative effect to reduce tissue cadmium burden in broiler birds.

5 , 3 , 2015