Effect of Exposure to Crude Oil Polluted Environment on Hematological and Serological Indices in Chickens: Variability in Breed Sensitivity

Industrial petrochemical activities pose a significant threat to the ecosystem and could cause health issues in chickens reared within vulnerable areas such as the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. This study investigated the differential responses of four chicken breeds (FUNAAB Alpha FAC, Ross 308 broilers AB, native chickens-origin of crude oil exploration communities HP, and native chickens-origin of non-crude oil exploration communities NHP) to crude oil flaring using blood-borne parameters. At five weeks of age, 256 chicks were randomly assigned to two groups: control and exposed, each had four replicates (eight birds/replicate). Birds in the exposed group inhaled gaseous emissions from crude oil flared in their enclosure (three hours daily on alternate days for 35 days). Haematological indices were influenced by a decrease (p<0.05) in packed cell volume and red blood cell count in the exposed group compared with the control. A remarkable rise (p<0.05) in inflammatory markers (platelet count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and interleukin-6 levels (IL-6) was also observed in most breeds. The AB showed no significant changes in haematological indices or inflammatory markers, save for IL-6. For most breeds, the exposed group had higher serum levels of aspartate aminotransaminase, alanine aminotransaminase, alkaline phosphatase, creatinine, total protein, and uric acid. Evidence of oxidative stress, as indicated by increased serum malondialdehyde (p<0.05) and reduced enzymatic antioxidant defense levels of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activity, was recorded. Our study revealed marked variations in blood parameters among breeds, with the AB(broiler) showing more resilience to hydrocarbon toxicity than breeds with indigenous genes.