Effect of organic compounds on reproductive processes: IV. Response of Japanese quail to alkylating agents

Abstract

Chemosterilant chemicals were evaluated for their effects on body weight, feed consumption, egg production, reproduction, and mortality of adult Japanese quail based on a 2-week compound feeding period. Acute toxicity values to mice were also determined. Birds fed N,N′-bis(aziridinylacetyl)-1,8-octamethylenediamine at the lowest dietary level of 250 ppm lost weight associated with marked decreases in feed consumption, egg production, and high mortality. The acute LD 50 value to male mice was 1070 (768–1490) mg/kg following oral intubation and 88 (60–130) mg/kg following intraperitoneal injection. Birds fed N,N′-bis(aziridinylacetyl)-1,4- trans-cyclohexylmethylamine at 125 ppm lost weight but showed no significant decrease in feed consumption or egg production; egg fertility and hatchability were markedly inhibited but returned to normal during a 4-week recovery period. At 250 ppm, body weight, feed consumption, and egg production decreased markedly but increased during the recovery period. A high mortality rate was observed at 500 ppm. The acute toxicity to mice was 71 mg/kg following oral intubation and 45 (38–53) mg/kg following intraperitoneal injection. Apholate at 125 ppm produced only marginal effects on body weight and feed consumption, but egg production was reduced; egg hatchability and fertility were completely inhibited, but increased during the recovery period. At 250 ppm, only slight decreases in body weight, feed consumption, and egg production were observed in one trial whereas marked decreases were obtained in the second trial. A few birds were found dead at 500 ppm, but the mortality rate was high at 1000 ppm