Prolonged effects of kepone on strength and thickness of eggshells from Japanese quail fed different calcium level diets

Abstract

Japanese quail ( Coturnix coturnix japonica) were first fed low- and then high-calcium diets for 120 days each. A second group received the same diets contaminated with 200 ppm Kepone. Eggshell strength of vertical and horizontal axes as well as equatorial eggshell thickness were measured. Kepone administered in low calcium diet did not reduce equatorial shell thickness or strength; however, a temporary decrease of shell strength in vertical axis was recorded. Continued Kepone feeding produced significant shell thinning and weakening in both axes, evident especially during high-calcium diet. An increase in egg breakage and high mortality also became characteristic. Egg laying was a factor in survival. Kepone-fed quail that ceased egg laying exhibited neurological disorders and died. Post-mortem examination of the reproductive organs indicated that Kepone may have interfered with ovarian function.