Cobalt-induced alteration in hematology and reproductive organs of Rhode Island Red chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus)

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of cobalt on the reproductive structure and hematology of adult male rhode island red chickens (gallus gallus domesticus). sexually mature chickens were given single dose of 30 mg/kg body weight cobalt chloride intraperitoneally for 48 hours. the gain in body weight was not significantly different between control and treatment group,however the testicular weight was significantly reduced (p<0.001). histopathological evaluation of the testes revealed several abnormalities including degeneration of spermatogonial cells spermatocytes,spermatids and necrosis of seminiferous tubules. analysis showed that the diameter of seminiferous tubules was significantly decreased (p<0.05). evaluation of the number of rbcs and wbcs detected significantly (p<0.0001) increased in experimental group. biochemical analysis of plasma showed that there was no significant difference in glucose,cholesterol and urea concentration. contrary to this,the biochemical analysis of reproductive organs showed significant (p<0.0001) decrease in glucose concentration while cholesterol and dna level increased significantly (p<0.0001) and urea concentration remain unaltered. results of this study report a negative effect of cobalt on hematology and histology of testes. © pakistan academy of sciences.