EN
The purpose of the present study was to determine the effects of combined administration of lead, copper and selenium on the organism of birds. The experiments were carried out on White Leghorn hens /Shaver flock, Astra line/ in their second laying period. The hens were fed traditionally and kept in groups. For six weeks, on alternate days, the following metals were added to the feed, either in combination or separately: selenium as Na₂Se₂O₃ /0,2 mg and 1,4 mg of Se/1 of water/, lead as Pb/CH₃COOH/₂ /600 mg of Pb/1 of water/ and copper as CuSO₄ /1000 mg of Cu/kg of feed/. The following indices were examined during the treatment: body weight, egg production, weight of a kidney, liver, spleen and heart, LDH and AP activity in the blood plasma, Ht value, Hb concentration and iron content in the blood. It was found that 1,4 mg of Se/1 of water was toxic to the organism of the birds, especially to hematopoietic system. The lower dose of Se /0,2 mg/1 of water/ showed a favourable effect on the hens' body weight and egg production. Lead and copper caused toxicity. Moreover, they resulted in the decreased body weight and egg production, lower Hb concentration and Ht value, depressed AIA-D in blood and increased LDH and AP in the blood plasma. Stronger toxicity of lead and copper was observed when they were administred at the same time. Separate administration reduced their toxic effect. Administration of Se /0,2 mg/1 of water/ accompanying lead and copper administration /either separate or combined/ had a protective effect on the hematopoietic system. However, no protective effect on the inner organs and egg production was observed. On the other hand, increased dosage of Se /1,4 mg/1 of water/ intoxicated with lead or copper, or with both metals proved to have a protective effect on the inner organs but not on hematopoietic system, body weight and egg production. Optimal selenium dose protecting the birds against toxicity of lead /600 mg of Pb/l of water/ and copper /1000 mg of Cu/kg of feed/ was found within the range of 0,2 mg and 1,4 mg of Se/1 of water.