Abstract
ABSTRACT Gossypol, a secondary metabolite found in cotton (Gossypium spp.), is known to be toxic to a variety of animals, particularly monogastric mammals and commercial poultry (Gallus domesticus). Gossypol toxicosis in poultry include reduced weight, decreased egg production, and egg yolk discolouration. However, there is limited published data regarding gossypol toxicity in northern bobwhites (Colinus virginianus), which may encounter cottonseed products in the environment and subsequently ingest gossypol. We determined the oral LD50 of gossypol in northern bobwhites following the Environmental Protection Agency’s OCSPP 850.2100 Guideline: Avian Acute Oral Toxicity Test. Through a range-finding test, we estimated that the LD50 was between 200 and 1,000 mg/kg body weight (BW). Following the range-finding test, we administered a single oral dose of refined gossypol to quail at 262, 342, 447, 585, and 765 mg/kg BW. We observed quail daily for mortality and any signs of intoxication throughout a 14-day observation period. We performed gross necropsies and had histopathology done on select organ tissues from experimental animals. Using the probit analysis, we determined that the oral LD50 of gossypol in northern bobwhites is 651 mg/kg BW (95% CI 579–731). Hepatocellular pigment accumulation and pancreatic necrosis were important lesions interpreted as evidence of gossypol toxicity.
Highlights
Cottonseed (Gossypium spp.) is a high-protein feed source that is used as a feed supplement and primary ration for a variety of livestock (Campbell et al 2010)
We determined that the oral LD50 of gossypol in northern bobwhites is 651 mg/kg body weight (BW)
Cottonseed-based feeds are generally well-tolerated by ruminant species, toxicity has been documented in swine (Sus scrofa), other monogastric mammals, and commercial poultry (Gallus domesticus)
Summary
Cottonseed (Gossypium spp.) is a high-protein feed source that is used as a feed supplement and primary ration for a variety of livestock (Campbell et al 2010). Cottonseed-based feeds are generally well-tolerated by ruminant species, toxicity has been documented in swine (Sus scrofa), other monogastric mammals, and commercial poultry (Gallus domesticus). This toxicity has been linked to gossypol, a secondary plant metabolite found in cotton plant seeds, roots, and foliage (Gadelha et al 2014). The gossypol LD50 has been determined for several mammalian species, including rats (925–1,350 mg/kg), mice (500–950 mg/kg), rabbits (350–600 mg/kg), guinea pigs (280–300 mg/ kg) (Eagle et al 1948), and pigs (550 mg/kg) (Lyman et al 1963). We chose to study gossypol toxicity in northern bobwhites (Colinus virginianus), a species of significant economic and cultural value
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