[Effect of sulfur dioxide on broiler performance and health].

Investigations were conducted, with the view to establishing short-time effects of SO2 alone and in combination with power station fly-ash as well as long-time effects of SO2 on broiler. The experimental concentrations up to 16 X 330 ppm did not reveal any deterimental impact upon live weight or feed consumption. Histological, haematological, and clinico-chemical tests indicated that damage was caused only by highly repetitive short-time exposure to very high SO2 concentrations (330 ppm), such damage being reflected in slight increase of erythrocyte count, lowered colour index, rise in SGPT activity, and histologically, inflammatory changes in the lungs and degeneration in the liver. Broiler fattening units, therefore, can be established with good economy also in areas with high SO2 emission.