EN
Levels of trace elements (Pb, Cd, Hg, As, F, Zn, Cu, Fe) in muscles and livers from 415 village hens and 450 intensive rearing hens were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry. Concentration of toxic elements in poultry tissues were generally low, with the exception of Cd in liver. The mean levels of Pb, Cd, Hg and As in muscles were around 0.01 mg/kg. Relatively high Cd levels were found in livers of village hens with a mean concentration of 0.614 mg/kg. Nearly 17% village hen livers contained more then 1 mg/kg of Cd. The mean Cd concentration in livers of intensive rearing hens was 0.140 mg/kg. Thus the system of animal rearing has an important influence on toxic elements contamination of hens.