Carbendazim toxicity in quails (cortunix japonica): performance, clinicopathologic changes and effect of garlic

This investigation was undertaken to elucidate the toxic effect of carbendazim CBZ and the role of garlic supplementation in wildlife sentinels. Forty quails were acquired comprising two and four week’s old birds (20 per age group). The quails were placed in to 5 different groups (each for 6 & 8 weeks) comprising 4 birds each. Pesticide dosage was 1.25mg/g body weight. 1 gram of garlic was administered per bird. Blood samples were analyzed using the microhaematocrit and cyanmethaemoglobin methods. Cholinesterase (AchE) was quantified as butyryl cholinesterase activity, oxidative stress markers assayed and tissue changes examined microscopically. The quails treated with CBZ were alopecic. There was paralysis in the six week old quail. Poor egg quality was observed in the 8 week old quails Age differences were observed in the haematological parameters. There was increase lipid peroxidation (MDA), demyelination and gliosis in the brain, villi atrophy and cryptal hyperplasia of the intestine. Testicular hypoplasia and disruption of the tubular basement membrane in the testis. These changes were moderately ameliorated by garlic. This study confirms the chronic low dose treatment of Carbendazim in quails.