Aim: The study was conducted to observe the effects of dexamethasone (DEX) on the gross study and histomorphometry of liver and on the alterations of biochemical parameters of broilers.

Materials and Methods: Ninety day-old chicks were collected and assigned to one of three groups: The control, Group A, and Group B. The control, Group A, and Group B were fed for 28 days with a homemade ration, a commercial broiler type ration, and a homemade ration with DEX (7 mg/kg feed), respectively. Liver samples were collected from the individual birds after sacrificing on days 7, 14, 21, and 28 of the experiment. Morphometric characteristics (length, weight, color, and texture) of the liver were examined. Histomorphological alterations of the liver were assessed with routine hematoxylin and eosin staining. To measure the biochemical parameters, blood samples were collected on days 7, 14, 21, and 28 of the experiment. Liver function test was performed spectrophotometrically by analyzing serum biochemical markers, that is, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) was performed for the detection of hepatic steroids.

Results: Hemorrhagic and congested livers were found in broilers of Group B. There were no significant changes found in weight and length of the livers; only numerical decrease in weight and length was observed in birds of Group B. Liver width was increased in Group B on day 21. Histological observation of livers showed accumulation of lipid droplets, congestion of the sinusoids, and central veins in broilers of Group B. Biochemical analyses showed increased levels of ALT in Group B as compared to Group A on day 14 of the experiment. TLC evaluation revealed a positive result in Group B on 28 days of the experiment.

Conclusion: The present study results show that DEX may alter the liver morphology and the concentration of ALT in the circulation of broilers.

Keywords: broiler, dexamethasone, growth promoter, liver.