Abstract

Lithium concentration in surface and underground water, in some instances is higher than the standard level in places where lithium-rich brines and minerals occur, and in places where lithium batteries disposed of. This metal has numerous effects on human and other organisms, but there is no evidence about its effects on birds. For the first time we evaluated the effects of experimental lithium consumption in birds. The broiler chicks received daily 200 ppm lithium carbonate in their water, for 20 days and control group received water without lithium. At the end, blood samples collected for chemical analyses and the chickens were then euthanized and samples from brain, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, heart and liver were collected for histopathological studies. Gross and microscopic lesions in organs were evaluated. Serum Glutamate Pyruvate Transaminase (SGPT), Serum Glutamate Oxaloacetate Transaminase (SGOT) and Uric acid also measured. The significant differences (P < 0.05) between experimental group and control group were seen.