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(63-05) Comparison of Japanese and Bobwhite Quail in a Two-Generation Test. Ottinger, Mary Ann*,1, Hazelton, Julie1, Thompson, Nichola1, Beavers, Joanne2, Jaber, Mark2, 1 Department of Animal and Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA2 Wildlife International, Ltd, Easton, Maryland, USA ABSTRACT- A two-generation avian reproduction test is being conducted simultaneously in Japanese quail and Bobwhite quail. The purpose of this study is to compare their response to dietary methoxychlor and to measure a variety of end points to determine their reliability as potential indices of exposure. Both species were raised under short photoperiod, paired, and transferred to long days (16::8D). Pairs in this parental generation (P) were randomly assigned to control, 5ppm, or 10ppm methoxychlor. Data were collected on feed intake, egg strength and production, fertility, offspring viability, and chicks (F1) were raised. The F1 birds were maintained on the same diet as their parents. They were monitored for sexual maturation, reproductive behavior and endocrine end points. F1 birds were paired according to treatment and monitored for fertility, production, and offspring were raised. Results showed a number of differences in the response of these species. Although begun on treatment at the same time, the Bobwhite quail took 3-4 weeks longer to achieve sexual maturity. In addition, the production characteristics of the Bobwhite quail were much lower than that of the Japanese quail in the control groups. Neither species showed effects of the low levels of methoxychlor on egg production or fertility. However, in the Japanese quail, there did appear to be slower maturation in the groups fed methoxychlor, which suggests that the treatment interfered to some degree in the endocrine processes. Body weight and feed intake were not affected by the treatments. Chick viability in the F1 generation were not affected, however, some pairs did show lower reproductive performance. This suggests that some pairs may have been more sensitive to the effects of the dietary exposure whereas others were more resiliant. Similar trends were observed in the F2 generation. Bobwhite quail showed similar trends, with relatively strong effects in some pairs and little evidence of impact in others. These data point to the importance of examining individual responses to potential endocrine disrupting chemicals. In addition, it is critical to select specific end points that are appropriate for the predicted mechanism of action of a chemical. Supported by EPA. Key words: Japanese quail , Bobwhite quail, two generation test, endocrine disrupting chemical |
