Studies on toxicity to cockerel chicks of raw full-fat neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) seed kernel

Toxicity to cockerel chicks of raw full-fat neem seed kernel (RFK) was tested. Graded doses of 0, 75, 150, 225 and 300 g RFK/kg diet replaced similar levels of peanut. Each diet was offered to 30 chicks ad libitum for 35 days. The RFK depressed (P<0.05) appetite and severely (P<0.01) decreased mass gain of chicks independent of the doses used. It also induced haemorrhagic anaemia (P<0.01) and leucocytosis (P<0.05) at 150 g or more RFK/kg diet. The leucocytosis largely resulted from heterophilia. At an inclusion rate of 150 g or more RFK/kg, aspartate aminotransferase activity was elevated (P<0.05) while cholesterol concentration was lowered (P<0.05). However, activity of alanine aminotransferase and concentrations of bilirubin, creatinine and uric acid did not differ significantly among the cockerels. Lesions associated with RFK included emaciation and paleness of carcasses, kidney congestion and mucous enteritis. Microscopically, there was coagulative necrosis of mucosal cells involving the submucosal glands and sloughing of intestinal villi, focal hepatocytic drop-out and haemorrhagic and oedematous nephritis. The overall effect was a highly significant (P