Concentration of selected transition metals in layer hens non-infested and infested with Dermanyssus gallinae

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the concentration of selected transition metals, i.e. iron (Fe), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) in the livers of laying hens free from and infested with the red mite (Dermanyssus gallinae) and to explain the effects of the invasion of this parasite on the content of those elements. The study was carried out on 24 Hy-Line Brown hens bred in battery cages. The birds were divided into two groups, free from and infested with D. gallinae. Concentration of analysed metals was determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Based on this experiment, it was proved that a long-term (52 weeks) exposure of hens to D. gallinae resulted in a significant (P < 0.05) decrease of Fe, Cu and Zn in the liver. The mean content of analysed metals in the group infested with the parasite amounted to 31.42 mg Fe/ kg, 2.71 mg Cu/kg and 22.64 mg/kg, whereas in the non-infested group it was 38.51 mg Fe/kg, 3.12 mg Cu/kg and 26.53 mg Zn/kg. No significant (P < 0.05) alterations in haematological indicators were found between the examined groups of birds. The results may suggest that 3 weeks of recovery in hens are sufficient to bring about a considerable increase in concentration of analysed transition metals in the liver. Copper, zinc, iron, birds, red miteThe red mite (Dermanyssus gallinae) is the most harmful ectoparasite of poultry. It attacks both domestic and wild birds at any age and may occur in poultry units using different rearing and breeding systems . Infection with this parasite leads to severe irritation of birds, blood loss as a result of mite preying, toxic and allergenic effects of the parasite's saliva, mechanical damage to body integuments and increased susceptibility of birds to pathogenic micro-organisms.Metals, including transition metals such as iron, copper and zinc play an important role in living organisms. They are components and co-factors of numerous enzymes and proteins necessary to ensure proper body functions. Iron is the best-known, and with regard to its ability to rapid acceptance and transmission of electrons, the most dangerous of the transition metals. It participates in many metabolic processes, DNA synthesis, respiratory chain and processes leading to cell damage as a result of oxidative stress (Emerit et al. 2001). Copper is a natural component of many constitutional proteins of enzymatic properties (e.g., ceruloplasmin, cytochrome oxidase, metallothionein, superoxide dismutase) and it participates in numerous processes catalysing oxidation/ reduction reactions (Gaetke and Chow 2009). It demonstrates a haematopoetic effect, modulates immune processes and is necessary for the proper activity of many vitamins and hormones. Zinc fulfils a multidirectional biological function in the body, acting through numerous metalloenzymes and hormones, of which it is a component or an activator. It is also considered an essential element for the immune response, since