[Effect of zinc content in the fodder on cadmium retention in the liver and kidneys in chickens].

The influence of zinc content in the diet on cadmium retention in the liver and kidney was studied in growing chicks. Cadmium and zinc concentrations used were similar to those occurring in normally feeds. Increasing cadmium levels in feeds resulted in increasing cadmium concentrations in organs. The cadmium levels in liver were about half as high as in kidneys. Physical conditions and growth rate of the chicks remained unaffected by the cadmium feeding. Cadmium retention in liver and kidneys was related to the zinc content of the diet. Feeding zinc-deficient diets resulted in a 40% higher cadmium retention than feeding adequate zinc diets (50 mg/kg). Excessive zinc levels had no additional effect on cadmium retention.