Effects of dicofol on mallard eggshell quality (original) (raw)

Abstract

Dicofol is an organochlorine acaricide structurally similar to DDE and there is concern that it may effect avian reproduction. Effects of dietary dicofol on mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) egg production and eggshell quality were evaluated; the mallard is moderately sensitive to DDE shellthinning toxicity. Hens in egg production were fed either 0, 3, 10, 30, or 100 μg/g dicofol for 42 days (the formulation of dicofol contained <0.1% DDT-related impurities). A positive control study was also conducted in which mallard hens in egg production were fed 0, 3, 10, and 100 μg/g DDE for 42 days. Egg weight, shell thickness, shell strength, and dried shell weight were measured for all eggs produced. Egg production was not affected by dicofol diets but the percentages of cracked and soft-shelled eggs from birds on the 100 μg/g dicofol diet were significantly (p < 0.05) greater. Shell strength, thickness, and weight were negatively related to dicofol dietary concentrations. Shell quality was reduced after one day of treatment with some dicofol diets. Effects of similar character and magnitude were observed in eggs from positive control birds fed DDE.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Subscribe and save

• Starting from 10 chapters or articles per month
• Access and download chapters and articles from more than 300k books and 2,500 journals
• Cancel anytime View plans

Buy Now

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

• Bennett JK, Ringer RK, Bennett RS, Williams BA, Humphrey PE (1988) Comparison of breaking strength and shell thickness as evaluators of eggshell quality. Environ Toxicol Chem 7:351–357
  Google Scholar
• Davison KL, Sell JL (1974) DDT thins shells of eggs from mallard ducks maintained on_ad libitum_ or controlled-feeding regimens. Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 2:222–232
  Google Scholar
• Dunnett CW (1955) A multiple comparison procedure for comparing several treatments with a control. J Am Statist Assoc 50:1096–1121
  Google Scholar
• Heath RG, Spann JW, Kreitzer JK (1969) Marked DDE impairment of mallard reproduction in controlled studies. Nature 224:47–48
  Google Scholar
• Krynitsky AJ, Stafford CJ, Wiemeyer SN (1988) Combined extraction-cleanup column Chromatographic procedure for determination of dicofol in avian eggs. J Assoc Offic Anal Chem 71:539–542
  Google Scholar
• Meyer R, Baker RC, Scott ML (1973) Effects of hen egg shell and other calcium sources upon eggshell strength and ultrastructure. Poult Sci 52:949–955
  Google Scholar
• Moore JA (1986). Fed Reg 51:19508–19525
  Google Scholar
• Peakall DB (1975) Physiological effects of chlorinated hydrocarbons on avian species. In: Hague R, Freed VH (eds) Environmental Dynamics of Pesticides. Plenum Press, New York, pp 343–360
  Google Scholar
• SAS Institute, Inc. (1985) SAS/STAT guide for personal computers, Version 6 edition. SAS Institute Inc, Cary, NC, 378 pp
  Google Scholar
• Schwarzbach SE, Shull L, Grau CR (1988) Eggshell thinning in ring doves exposed to p,p′-dicofol. Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 17:219–227
  Google Scholar
• Stromborg KL (1977) Seed treatment pesticide effects on pheasant reproduction at sublethal doses. J Wildl Manage 41:632–642
  Google Scholar
• — (1986a) Reproductive toxicity of monocrotophos to bobwhite quail. Poult Sci 65:51–57
  Google Scholar
• — (1986b) Reproduction of bobwhites fed different dietary concentrations of an organophosphate insecticide, methamidophos. Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 15:143–147
  Google Scholar
• Sturkie PD, ed (1986)Avian Physiology, 4th ed. Springer-Verlag, New York, NY
  Google Scholar
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (1982) Pesticide assessment guidelines. Subdivision E. Hazard evaluation of wildlife and aquatic organisms. EPA-540/9-82-024. Washington, DC
• — (1984) Dicofol special review position document 2/3. Office of Pesticide Programs. Washington, DC
  Google Scholar
• Voisey PW, Hunt JR (1966) Physical properties of eggshells. Poult Sci 45:263–271
  Google Scholar
• Wiemeyer SN, Spann JN, Bunck CM, Krynitsky AJ (1989) Effects of Kelthane® on reproduction of captive eastern screech-owls. Environ Toxicol Chem 8:903–914
  Google Scholar

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

1. Environmental Research Laboratory, NSI Technology Services Corporation, 97333, Corvallis, Oregon
   Jewel K. Bennett
2. Environmental Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 97333, Corvallis, Oregon
   Stephen E. Dominguez & William L. Griffis

Authors

1. Jewel K. Bennett
2. Stephen E. Dominguez
3. William L. Griffis

Additional information

Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.

Rights and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Bennett, J.K., Dominguez, S.E. & Griffis, W.L. Effects of dicofol on mallard eggshell quality.Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 19, 907–912 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01055059

Download citation

• Received: 10 May 1989
• Revised: 30 October 1989
• Issue date: November 1990
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01055059

Keywords