The Toxic Effect of Crude Oil Contaminated Feed on Performance Parameters of Cockerel Reared Under Intensive System

The toxic effect of crude oil contaminated feed on performance parameters of cockerel birds was studied. A total of one hundred and twenty birds used for this study were randomly divided into five groups of twenty four birds per group representing one control group (A) and four treatment groups (B, C, D and E). Each treatment was further divided into three (3) replicates with eight (8) birds per replicate. Grade levels of crude oil were incorporated into the formulated diets as 5ml, 10ml, 15ml and 20ml) of grade crude oil per kg of feed, and fed to the birds. The treatment group with no crude oil contamination (0ml per kg) served as the control. The performance parameters and organ weights were evaluated. Feed intake and body weight gain were significantly (P < 0.05) difference in birds offered crude oil contaminated feed when compared with the control. The birds exposed to crude oil contaminated feed demonstrated enlarged liver and heart, while the weight of the kidney, pancreas, spleen and gonads were significantly depressed compared with unexposed birds. In this study, crude oil was shown to cause high mortality. Organ weights (liver, kidney, heart, lungs and testes) were also adversely affected.