A comparative toxicologic study of a phosphorodithioate in Japanese and bobwhite quail

Abstract

Guthion had a significant effect on growth of female but not male Japanese quail at a dietary level of 540 ppm; with bobwhite, growth was significantly reduced at 20 ppm. All birds of both species died during the first 10 days of feeding at 1620 ppm. With bobwhite, 80% mortality was obtained at 540 ppm and 30% at 180 ppm whereas there was no increase above normal in mortality of Japanese quail at 180 ppm or 540 ppm. Egg production of Japanese quail was delayed and markedly reduced at 540 ppm; total egg hatchability at 180 and 540 ppm was somewhat lower than obtained in the control birds. Whole blood or brain cholinesterase of both species was inhibited after 4 and 10 weeks at 60 ppm; there was somewhat greater inhibition in bobwhite. Results indicate that bobwhite quail were more sensitive to Guthion than Japanese quail.