Reproduction avian

Ecotoxicological Prolonged fish toxicity (including reproduction) Avian acute/subacute toxicity Accumulation, degradation and mobility tests... 

Concentrations of PCBs in fish from each of the Great Lakes currently exceed the GLWQA objectives for the protection of aquatic life. Similarly, concentrations of some substances (e.g., PCBs, Hg, mirex, toxaphene) in Great Lakes fish continue to exceed acceptable guidelines for human consumption. Documented effects in the Great Lakes include reproductive failure, congenital abnormalities and induction of tumours in various aquatic, terrestrial and avian species (23). 

Egg production constitutes a major loss of zinc and other trace metals by the laying hen. Vitellogenin mediates the transfer of zinc from liver to the maturing oocyte, ultimately resulting in deposition into yolk of the newly formed egg (Richards 1989). More research seems needed on the role of zinc in avian reproduction. 

The balance between excess and insufficient zinc is important. Zinc deficiency occurs in many species of plants and animals, with severe adverse effects on all stages of growth, development, reproduction, and survival. In humans, zinc deficiency is associated with delayed sexual maturation in adolescent males poor growth in children impaired growth of hair, skin, and bones disrupted Vitamin A metabolism and abnormal taste acuity, hormone metabolism, and immune function. Severe zinc deficiency effects in mammals are usually prevented by diets containing >30 mg Zn/kg DW ration. Zinc deficiency effects are reported in aquatic organisms at nominal concentrations between 0.65 and 6.5 pg Zn/L of medium, and in piscine diets at <15 mg Zn/kg FW ration. Avian diets should contain >25 mg Zn/kg DW ration for prevention of zinc deficiency effects, and <178 mg Zn/kg DW for prevention of marginal sublethal effects. 

Gile, J.D. and S.M. Meyers. 1986. Effects of adult mallard age on avian reproductive tests. Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 15 751-756. 

Stromborg, K.L. 1981. Reproductive tests of diazinon on bobwhite quail. Pages 19-30 in P.W. Lamb and E.E. Kenaga (eds.). Avian and Mammalian Wildlife Toxicology Second Conference. ASTM STP 757, American Society for Testing and Materials. Philadelphia. 

Albers, PH. 1983. Effects of oil on avian reproduction a review and discussion. Pages 78-96 in The Effects of Oil on Birds. A Multidiscipline Symposium. Tri-State Bird Rescue and Research, Inc., Wilmington, DE. 

Ohlendorf, H.M., R.L. Hothem, C.M. Bunck, T.W. Aldrich, and J.F. Moore. 1986a. Relationships between selenium concentrations and avian reproduction. Trans. North Amer. Wildl. Nat. Resour. Conf. 51 330-342. 

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