Influence of Dietary Intake of Malathion on the Haematology and Plasma Electrolytes in Chickens

Malathion is routinely employed for protecting grains from insects. In this communication, the feeding of 0.08 (800 p.p.m.) and 0.16 (1600 p.p.m.) percent malathion sprayed feed to chickens for one month on various haematological parameters and plasma electrolytes have been reported. A total of 90 chickens of both the sexes (2–3 months old) were used. The W.B.C. count was slightly increased with both the treatments and the maximal rise of the order of 5.26 thousand per cubic mililitre was seen with 1600 p.p.m. treatment on 20th day. The exact mechanism for the increase in W.B.C. is not understood. There was, however, no significant change in R.B.C. count, packed cell volume, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and blood clotting time. The plasma level of sodium was gradually increased with 1600 p.p.m. treatment and the maximal rise of the order of 9.51 m eq./l. was noticed on 30th day of treatment. The values remained elevated even after stopping the treatment. There was, however, no adverse effect on plasma levels of potassium. The possible pharmacodynamic for the increase in plasma level of sodium has been explained due to the stimulation of aldosterone secretion as a result of reduction in cardiac output produced by anticholinesterase (malathion) agents.