[Effect of copper and selenium on the histopathologic picture of the internal organs and the accumulation of these metals in hens].

Abstract

The hens were given per os every second day for the period of 6 weeks selenium in the amount of 0.2 mg/l water (group I), 1.4 mg (group II), copper in amount of 1000 mg/kg feed (group III) and both metals jointly (group IV)--0.2 mg Se and 1000 mg Cu and group V--1.4 mg Se and 1000 mg Cu. Histopathological studies on hens organs and accumulation of metals in tissue were carried out. It was found that selenium in the amount of 1.4 mg/l water causes insignificant oedema of liver and kidneys, whereas copper (group III) shows clear hepato- and nephropathic effect. Selenium administered jointly with copper (group V) acts protectively in parenchymatous organs against the toxic effect of copper alone.