Growth and anatomical characteristics of pullet chicks fed diets contaminated with crude petroleum

The gross anatomy and performance characteristics of pullet chicks fed diets contaminated with varying levels of crude petroleum were monitored. Graded levels of crude petroleum were added to a starter diet to provide 0-6% petroleum in diets. Ingestion of petroleum at 2, 3, and 6% levels depressed final body weight and total weight gain of chicks. Average daily weight gain was significantly higher in chicks on the 2% and 3% crude oil diets. Examination of organs of test chicks on petroleum diets indicated severe degenerative lesions of liver, pancreas, and spleen of those on the 6% diet.