The acute effect of methyl-2-benzimidazole carbamate on haematological parameters in the Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

Abstract

Methyl-2-benzimidazole (carbendazim) is widely used fungicide in the field and  post-harvest crops for control of fungal diseases. It inhibits microtubule assembly by binding to the β-tubulin sub-unit of the microtubule. This study was carried out to assess the effect of carbendazim on haematological parameters in the Japanese quails. Carbendazim in sunflower oil was administered orally to mature Japanese  quails at dosages of 0 mg/kg (control), 25mg/kg, 100mg/kg, 400mg/kg and  800mg/kg. Blood samples were analysed for total plasma protein, total red blood  cell count (RCC), haemoglobin concentration (Hb), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin  concentration (MCHC), haematocrit (PCV), total white cell count (WCC) and  differential white cell count. Carbendazim generally decreased the mean values of  total plasma protein, RCC, WCC, as well as differential white cell count. In addition,  carbendazim significantly decreased mean values of PCV and MCV (P < 0.05). The results of the current study indicate that carbendazim has a potential effect on  haematological parameters in exposed birds. The use of this chemical should be monitored to reduce environmental contamination which might be the source of exposure to wild animals

Keywords: Carbendazim, haematological parameters, total plasma protein,  Japanese quail