Effect of exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (50 Hz, 0.5 mT) during incubation on hematological indices in newly-hatched chicks

The aim of present study was to investigation on hematopoietic activity of chicken embryo in exposure to extremely low frequency (ELF-EMF). In present study, the effect of exposure to 50 Hz, 0.5 mT EMF during different periods of incubation on hematological parameters (erythrocytes, hematocrit, hemoglobin and WBC, lymphocyte, eosinophil, monocyte and heterophil) count was investigated. Experimental groups included group1 or control was under normal incubation process and without any exposing to EMFs, group2; includes eggs exposed to 50Hz, 0.5 mT, 2h daily for 0-7 days of incubation, group3; includes eggs exposed for 2h daily from day-8 to -14 of incubation, group4; includes eggs exposed from days-15 to -21 of incubation and group5; includes eggs exposed from days-1 to -21 of incubation (entire incubation period). Incubation condition (with exception to EMF exposing) was similar for all groups. At time of EMF exposing eggs were transferred to EMF emitter set and after exposing period, eggs were transferred to their rows (setter). exposing to 50 Hz, 0.5 mT EMF during different periods of embryonic life (first, second or third week and entire incubation period) didn’t has any significant effect on erythrocyte counts, hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit and relative measures, whereas WBC counts (with exception of minor increases eosinophil for group 3) didn’t have change in any period of EMF exposure, too. It was concluded that embryonic or pre-hatch exposure to EMFs: 50 Hz, 0.5 mT during different periods of incubation didn’t has significant effect on hematological parameters includes erythrocytes, hematocrit, hemoglobin, total leukocyte, lymphocyte, eosinophil, monocyte and heterophil count.