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SOME EFFECTS OF EXPERIMENTAL FEEDING
0? DD? TO CQWRNEX COTURNIXT JAPON‘GCA

 

 

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David 1... Cross
1960

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SOME EFFECTS OF EXPERIMENTAL FEEDING

OF DDT TO COTURNIX COTURNIX JAPONICA

 

TEM. & SCI-IL.
by

David E. Cross

Submitted to the College of Science and Arts of Michigan
State University of Agriculture and Applied Science
in partial fulfillment of the requirements
for the degree of

MASTER OF SCIENCE

Department of Entomology

1960

Approved

 

 

ABSTRACT

Experiments were conducted in 1958 and 1959 to evaluate the ef-

fects of DDT-treated food on Japanese quail, Coturnix coturnix

 

japonica. This study was conducted on the Michigan State University
campus. East Lansing. Michigan.

The following six tests were made: (A) 30—day-old birds were fed
concentrations of DDT at l. 9, 90. 900, and 9000 p.p.m. for a period of
30 days; (B) 50-day-old birds were fed concentrations of 100, 300, 500,
and 700 p.p.m. DDT for a period of 30 days; (C) 25-day-old birds were
fed concentrations of 100, 300, 500, and 700 p.p.m. DDT for a period of
55 days; (D) 50-day-old second-generation birds from test C were fed
acetone-treated food for a period of 20 days; (E and F) feed was with-
held from birds remaining from test C as well as from 25—, 35—, and 50-
day-old untreated birds.

The Japanese quail proved to be a useful and efficient laboratory
animal for this work. DDT did not affect number or weight of eggs laid.
nor hatchability. Although the evidence was not statistically signifi—
cant, there were indications that lower levels of DDT (on the order of
100 p.p.m.) increased the hatchability of eggs. The higher concentra—
tions of DDT (500 and 700 p.p.m.) affected food consumption and re-
sulted in decreased body weight, followed by increased mortality. There
is an indication that males were more susceptible to DDT than were fe—
males in survival studies. When starved, older birds survived longer
than younger ones. There were indications that DDT was stored in the
fat at all levels of concentration.

ii

SOME EFFECTS OF EXPERIMENTAL FEEDING

OF DDT TO COTURNIX COTURNIX JAPONICA

 

TEM. 8: SCHL.
by

David L. Cross

Submitted to the College of Science and Arts of Michigan
State University of Agriculture and Applied Science
in partial fulfillment of the requirements
for the degree of

MASTER OF SCIENCE
Department of Entomology

1960

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION .
LITERATURE REVIEW
EXPERIMENTAL METHODS AND MATERIALS .
Test Animals
Handling of Test Animals
Breeding .
Rearing
Holding
Experimental
Feed
Standard Feeds
Experimental Feed
Feed Containers
Incubation
Housing .
Procedure
Experiments
Test A .
Test B . . .
Test C
Test D .
Test E

Test F

iv

Page

10
10
11
11
11
l3
13
14
14
15
15
15
15

16

Page
PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION OF RESULTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
SUMMARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

LITERATURE CITED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The author wishes to express his appreciation to Professor
Ray Hutson and Dr. Herman L. King for their guidance and constant aid
throughout this study. Their enthusiasm and interest continually en-
couraged the writer toward the completion of this investigation.

Acknowledgement is extended to Dr. Phillip J. Schaible and
Professor James A. Davidson for their pertinent discussions and sug-
gestions; and to members of the Poultry Science Department who made
available the use of their facilities. The author is also indebted to
Donald Boichot who donated the breeding stock for this project and to
Edward L. Remick for his assistance in designing and building of the
experimental pens.

The author wishes to thank Dean L. Haynes for his help with exper-
imental design and review of all the statistical analysis. Sincere
appreciation is also given to Dr. Gordon E. GUyer and Dr. James W.
Butcher for their critical review of the manuscript.

Finally thanks are due to Dr. Roland L. Fischer for his assistance
in the preparation of the literature citations, to Dr. Julius R.
Hoffman for his help with photography, and to the author’s graduate
student associates whose opinions and ideas were continually sought

during this investigation.

vi

Figure

II.
III.

IV.

VI.

VII.

VIII.

LIST OF FIGURES

Total amount of food consumed per pair, per
day for tests B and C .

Growth curve for test B birds

Growth curve for test C birds

Percent mortality for test B birds

Percent mortality for test C birds
Mortality of birds fed DDT for an average of
42.5 days (results from tests B and C disre—

garding sex).

Mbrtality and mean anount of DDT ingested in
milligrams for test B bird pairs

Mbrtality and mean amount of DDT ingested in
milligrams for test C bird pairs

vii

Page

19
24
25
30

30

38

39

39

LIST OF PLATES

Bird pens used for experiments
Individual compartments of pens

Quail eggs

Adult quail, males and female, shown
with feeder and eggs

viii

Page

12

12

LIST OF TABLES
Table Page

1. Mean food consumed per day per bird (tests

B,C,anng).......................18
2. Mean weight gain per day (test B) . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
3. Mean weight gain per day (test C) . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
4. Mean weight of eggs (tests B, C, and D) . . . . . . . . . 23

5. Mean body weight according to sex, age, and
number of days on varied DDT diets . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

6. Mean number of eggs laid and fertile eggs
expressed as percent of mean number of eggs
laid (tests B, C, and D) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

7. Mean number of eggs laid and fertile eggs
expressed as percent of mean number of
eggs laid between the age of the 50th and
70th day of the birds' lives (tests, B, C,

and D) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
8. Mean days of survival (test B) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
9. Mean days of survival (test C) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
10. Mean days of survival comparing Tables 8 and 9 . . . . . . 34

11. Mean day of survival pooling the means from
Tables 8 and 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

12. Mean amount of food and DDT consumed by test
B and C males and females . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

13. Mean days of survival of DDT-treated birds
(test E) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

14. Mean days of survival of untreated birds
(test F) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

ix

INTRODUCTION

The insecticidal properties of DDT have led to its widespread use
in combating insect populations throughout the world. The increasing
use of DDT has aroused much interest in the possible effects of this
poison on wildlife. Since World War II, numerous investigators have
sought to determine the side effects of insect control with DDT. Pre-
vious investigations have shown that varying dosages of DDT have dif—
ferent effects and that environmental factors are important in deter-
mining the effects of DDT poisoning.

The main objectives of this study were: (1) to evaluate the use

of the Coturnix quail, Coturnix coturnix japonica, as a laboratory re-

 

search animal and (2) to study the effects of given amounts of DDT
mixed with food on immature, mature, and second-generation Coturnix
quail.

The effects studied were: (1) amount of food consumed per day;
(2) body weight gain per day; (3) weight of eggs; (4) number of eggs
laid; (5) ratio of fertile to infertile eggs; (6) survival of birds;
(7) percent mortality; (8) body weight of birds in relation to sex,
age, and number of days on varied DDT diets; and (9) effects of star—

vation diets on untreated and DDT-treated birds.

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

A review of literature on bird poisoning indicates that many
workers have investigated the effects of the insecticide DDT upon
adult and nestling birds.

Woodard gt El (1945) noted that DDT accumulated in the body fat
and in such lipid-rich materials as egg yolk and milk of dogs.

Woodard and Ofner (1946), working with rats, found that if exposures
were continuous the level of DDT in the body fat tended to reach a
steady plateau; balanced by a slow, steady elimination.

Lang and Fitzhugh (1946) reported that prolonged exposures to DDT
affected breeding potential of birds even in the absence of immediate
effects, and that sub-lethal amounts accumulated in tissues and organs.

In 1946, Hotchkiss and Pough found that a single aerial applica-
tion of DDT in oil at 1 pound per acre to a forest in Northern Pennsyl—
vania did not disturb bird populations, but that an experimental
application of 5 pounds per acre produced a marked reduction of num-
bers. Similar results were reported by Stewart st 21 (1946). It was
noted that a single application rate of 2 pounds DDT per acre at the
Patuxent Research Refuge had little or no effect on the area except

for redstarts, Setaphaga ruticilla. It was believed that the DDT col-

 

lected near the tree tops, probably causing redstarts to receive more
than the average dose of DDT. It was not clear from this source
whether it was the accumulation of DDT in tree tops or the biology of

the redstarts that was important or both. In 1946, Coburn and

2

3
Treichler found the acute toxicity of DDT for bob-white quail to be 60
to 85 mg/kg of body weight when administered orally in oil solution
and about 300 mg/kg when administered orally in crystalline form.
Cottam and Higgins (1946) reported that swallows were unaffected at
low rates of application, but were observed to leave areas treated
with DDT at 0.8 pounds per acre and higher, probably in response to
decreased availability of food. While working at the Patuxent Re-
search Refuge in 1946, Mitchell found that spraying of nests, eggs,
and nestlings at 5 pounds DDT per acre produced no appreciable effects.

Nelson and Surber (1947) found no significant changes in total
bird populations in areas treated for spruce budworm control with 1.1
pounds or 3 pounds DDT per acre. 0n the other hand, they report that
a dosage of 5 pounds DDT per acre caused a 15 percent decline in total
bird populations. Fitzhugh gt El (1947) fed rats a diet containing
concentrations of 100 to 800 p.p.m. DDT. Toxic effects were observed
at all levels of concentrations. This test was conducted for a two-
year period with treatments being applied once a year. An increased
intake increased toxicity. Concentrations of 400 to 800 p.p.m. in the
diet retarded growth in female rats whereas 800 p.p.m. retarded growth
in male rats. DDT did not affect food consumption.

Robbins and Stewart (1949) found that when DDT was applied at 5
pounds per acre to five-year-old scrub and sapling growth in
Beltsville, Md. the total decrease of the five most common species of
birds, which represent 77 percent of the original population, was 65
percent. Adams 3: 31 (1949) found no effects on bird populations when

1 pound of DDT per acre was applied, but felt that 5 pounds and 7.5

pounds of DDT per acre may have caused a decrease in bird population.
In 1949, Odum and Norris noted that when Georgia pecan orchards were
sprayed in late summer with 6.5 pounds of DDT per acre a late summer
census showed no real change in the bird populations. The reasons
given were that the summer range was outside the grove, the nesting
period was over, and few birds were attracted to the DDT-killed in—
sects.

While experimenting with rats in 1950, Laug gt 21 found that ac—
cumulation of DDT in the fat occurred at every level of intake, down
to and including 1 p.p.m. and that greater storage occurred in the
female. There was a progressive rise in storage with age, reaching a
maximum at 19 to 23 weeks of age. The age of the animal did not ap-
pear to affect the rate at which DDT was stored in the fat. It was
found that from 50 to 75 percent of the fat-stored DDT remained one
month after a DDT-free diet was resumed and that 25 percent remained
after three months. Draper st 21 (1950) conducted tests on chickens
using DDT-treated mash and alfalfa dusted with DDT, ground and in-
cluded in a mash. Analyses showed that concentrations of DDT in fat
tissues of birds fed this mixture was 15, 271, 598, 960 p.p.m. when
fed mashes containing 0, 50, 100, 200 p.p.m. DDT respectively and 4,
71, 61, and 146 p.p.m. when fed mashes containing hay dusted with 0,
l, 2, and 4 pounds of DDT per acre respectively. There was no appar—
ent difference in final weight or mortality of the birds except for a
higher mortality in the lots fed 200 p.p.m. of DDT in their mash.

Robbins gt El (1951) reported that five yearly applications of

DDT at 2 pounds per acre caused a 26 percent decrease in breeding bird

5
populations. Benton (1951) while using 2 percent DDT spray in treat—
ing Dutch Elm Disease noted a 19.6 percent decrease in the breeding
population of birds occurred after spraying. Two weeks later there
was a 6 percent increase in the check areas while treated areas
showed a 22 percent decrease.

Mitchell gt 31 (1953) reported that in the summers of 1949 and
1950 at the Patuxent Research Refuge, a two-year aerial application of
DDT at 3 pounds per acre resulted in a slight decrease in total bird
populations. There was no apparent weight difference between second
broods in treated or untreated areas. Considerable mortality to young
nestlings occurred. Reduction of insect food was uncertain. The
amounts of DDT ingested by birds covered a wide range and no average
intake was known. It is not clear from this source what actually
caused the high mortality to young nestlings as it was not determined
whether the young died as a result of DDT or due to the lack of food.

Experimenting with quail, Dewitt (1955) reported feeding diets
containing 0.02 percent DDT to breeding quail. Significant decreases
in hatchability of eggs and in viability of chicks resulted throughout
the breeding season. The 0.02 percent DDT treatment had no apparent
effect on quail body weights and numbers of eggs produced. Dewitt
£5 31 (1955) ran tissue analyses of DDT-fed quail and pheasants. In—
dications were that quantities of DDT stored were not proportional to
total amounts administered nor to duration of exposure. but were re-
lated to the severity of toxic symptoms. Concentrations of DDT in
breast muscle of adult quail dying of acute DDT poisoning was approxi-

mately 34‘Pg/gm and in adult pheasants 22’pg/gm.

6

Barker (1958) reported that analyses of leaves, soil, earthworms,
and robins suggested that fewer than 100 earthworms can accumulate 3
mg of DDT. This was approximately the median amount found in dying
robins. Hoffman gt El (1958) noted that applications of 1 pound of
DDT per acre showed DDT‘was not immediately harmful to "mountain"
grouse populations.

Reviews of literature pertaining to insecticides and pesticides
have been assembled by Rudd St 31 (1946) and by Neghebon (1959). The
majority of the studies reported in these reviews have been based
largely on effects of field spray applications on adult and nestling
birds and to a lesser degree on laboratory studies. Comparison of
these studies indicates that different rates of application and dif-
ferent environmental conditions have contributed to substantial dif—

ferences in results.

EXPERIMENTAL METHODS AND MATERIALS

Test Animals

 

The Japanese Quail, Coturnix coturnix japonica, Temminck and

 

Schlegel was used as the test animal. Peters (1934) classified the
genus Coturnix into five species and 14 races. 0f the species with
which we are concerned, Peters listed eight races, but only seven are
recognized by Taka-Tsukasa (Stanford 1957). The validity of the two

major races, Coturnix coturnix coturnix and Coturnix coturnix

 

 

japonica, the European and the Asiatic races respectively, seems to
be questioned by some taxonomists notably Taka-Tsukasa. The feeling
has been expressed (Stanford 1957) that the two races may be one.

The Coturnix quail was first introduced into this country in the
1870's and 1880's; also during the period from 1900 to 1925. During
this period releases of the European race were made in the Eastern
portion of our country, and releases of the Asiatic race were made on
the Pacific Coast. In both cases these birds failed to establish
themselves and disappeared entirely.(Stanford 1957).

More recently the Coturnix was introduced into this country from
Japan by the Missouri Conservation Commission in order to determine
whether it could become established ecologically and thus supplement
existing game-bird species. To date, there is little evidence that
the Coturnix has been established as a wild-game species (Stanford
1957). I

Padgett and Ivey (1959) found the Coturnix to be very satisfac-

tory as a laboratory research animal, especially to embryologists and

7

physiologists. It was found by the writer to be extremely hardy and
easy to raise. It reproduces at 6 weeks of age, is very prolific and
does not seem to be susceptible to any of the common diseases of the

bob-white quail.

Handling of Test Animals

 

Breeding. The breeding pen was 10' long, 8' wide, and 6' high.
It contained a gravel floor with sides of one-fourth inch mesh hard-
ware cloth and a ceiling composed of cardboard and burlap cloth. Con—
stant lighting was furnished by a lSO-watt incandescent light bulb.

Rearing. The rearing pen was 5’ long by 2 1/2' wide by 4' high
and contained a 4 3/4' long by 2' wide by 1/3' high inner
galvanized metal container half filled with gravel. The sides and top
of the pen were covered with mosquito netting. The rearing pen was
heated by two ISO—watt incandescent light bulbs surrounded by a re-
flector hood. The hood was placed nine inches above the center of the
floor area.

Holding. Holding pens consisted of cardboard boxes (3' x 3' x 3')
covered with galvanized window screening. The floor area was covered
with gravel.

Experimental. Each pen (Plate I-A) consisted of five individual

 

compartments (Plate I-B). Each compartment was one-foot on a side,
screened on two sides and the top with one-half inch mesh hardware
cloth. The top was covered with removable plastic covers to prevent
restlessness and the possibility of wastes being passed downward from

one compartment to another. Each compartment was separated from the

 

 

 

Plate I-A. Bird pens used for experiment.

 

Plate I-B. Individual compartment of pens.

10
next by a 1/2 inch partition of plywood. All wooden portions of the
pens were painted with aluminum paint. The bottoms of the pens were
constructed with a half inch slope to prevent egg breakage and to al-
low wastes to pass through more readily. The bottoms of the pens were
covered with 1/4 inch mesh hardware cloth and so placed as to be sep-
arate from the pen proper and to allow easy cleaning. A non—porous
tray beneath each compartment collected all wastes from the birds.
Each compartment housed one pair of quail. One community type water
trough of galvanized metal (Plate I-A) 3" high by 3" wide by 50" long
supplied water for the five compartments which comprised a pen. These
trays were placed outside of the pen proper with individual access for
each compartment so that contamination of the common water source by

spilled feed or collected wastes was not possible.

Feed

 

Standard Feeds. The two standard feeds used throughout the ex-

 

periment were the Game Bird Starter Crumbles (26% protein) and Game
Bird Grower (20% protein)1. The following feeding schedule was fol-

lowed throughout this study:

 

 

_Age of birds Food

1-14 day-old: Game Bird Starter Crumbles

15-21 day-old: l/4 Game Bird Grower, 3/4 Game Bird Starter.
22-28 day-old: 1/2 Game Bird Grower. 1/2 Game Bird Starter.
29-35 day-old: 3/4 Game Bird Grower, 1/4 Game Bird Starter.
36-42 day-old: All Game Bird Grower.
43-80 day-old: Game Bird Grower, plus small amounts of scratch

grain.

 

1Manufactured by A.E. Staley Manufacturing Company. Decatur, Illinois.

11

In addition to the standard feeds, all birds three weeks old or older
had access to calcium chips and grit.

Experimental Feed. Feed used during the experiment was prepared

 

in 1500-gram lots, mixed with given amounts of technical DDT1 dis-
solved in acetone. This material was mixed manually and placed on
trays to dry overnight. Batches of the same concentration were then
placed in five gallon containers, mixed thoroughly, and again mixed
before being added to individual compartment feeders. All check birds
received feed mixed with acetone and dried.

Feed Containers. All birds other than experimental pen birds re-

 

ceived feed from cafeteria-type trays and water from gravity foun-
tains. Experimental birds received their feed from individual en-
closed plastic feeders (Plate II-B). All birds had water and feed

available at all times.

Incubation

 

Eggs were collected daily from breeders and experimental birds.
After storage at room temperature (72°F) for a period of seven days
they were transferred to incubators at the Poultry Science Department
on the Michigan State University campus. All eggs were incubated for
a period of 17 days. Hatchability data were based on the total eggs

set and the number of birds that did not require help from the shell.

 

1Manufactured by the Michigan Chemical Co. St. Louis, Michigan.

 

Plate II-B. Adult quail, male on the left, female on the
right, shown with feeder and eggs.

13

Housing

The experiment was conducted in a metallic quonset building lo-
cated on the Michigan State University campus. This building was
steam heated, with the heat being circulated throughout the building
by two space blowers located at the opposite end of the building from
where the experiment was conducted. The average daily temperature
throughout the experiment was 72°F. Variation of daily temperature
depended upon the amount of sunshine for any given day. The metal
building tended to be warmer during days with continuous sunlight.
Constant lighting was furnished'by four 150-watt incandescent light
bulbs placed near the ceiling of the building. Light intensity var-
ied between 1 to 7 foot candles four feet above the floor with a
mean of 1/4 to 4 foot candles within the experimental cages. The
light was furnished to prevent restlessness caused by natural migra-
tory instinct. The added light also insured continuous egg laying.

Birds became nervous and restless during short daylight periods.
Procedure

All quail used in this experiment came from eggs secured from a
commercial game farm. Approximately 150 adult birds of various ages
served as breeding stock for the entire experiment.

Progeny hatch from breeder and experimental birds were removed
from the incubators and placed in rearing pens for a two-week period.
All experimental second-generation birds had colored and numbered

plastic leg bands attached for identification and to distinguish them

14
from breeder birds. The birds were then placed in room temperature
holding pens. When they reached the age needed for experimental use
pairs were selected at random and placed in pen compartments.

Each compartment was checked daily. Food and water consumption.
numbers of eggs laid, and symptoms of DDT poisoning were determined
each day. Food was added and recorded whenever the supply in the
feeder became low. Eggs were collected, weighed, marked with a water-
proof, rub-proof marking pencil for future identification (Plate II-A)
and recorded. Eggs were stored in a moist, enclosed, wooden container
at room temperature prior to being placed in incubators. Eggs were
rolled once daily. Criteria for observing effects of DDT poisoning in
experimental birds were: slight nervousness; twitching; extreme ner-
vousness; muscle tremors; muscle spasms; and general coordination. The
terms mild, medium, and extreme were used when recording these symptoms.

All experimental birds except those on starvation diets were
weighed and the weight recorded weekly or at death. Only weights of
live birds were analyzed statistically. Also, once a week the wastes
were sifted, separating the fecal matter from spilled food. The weight

of the spilled food was recorded and the food destroyed.

Experiments

 

Test A. (Dec. 13, 1958 - Jan. 12, 1959). A preliminary test to
find the range of toxicity and to study effects of DDT poisoning was
.run on 30-day-old birds picked at random. The following dosages of DDT
vvere used in the feed: 1, 9, 90, 900, 9000 parts per million. Each

closage was fed to five pairs of birds.

15

Test B. (Feb. 17. 1959 — Mar. 21, 1959). The second test run was
on 50-day-old birds picked at random and fed concentrations of 100, 300,
500, and 700 p.p.m. DDT. Again 50 birds were selected making each test
contain 5 pairs of birds. Five pairs were used as controls. The birds
were selected at this age because they were fully mature and had al-
ready been laying for a period of one to seven days. These birds con—
tinued on this diet until their 80th day of age unless they died before
the completion of the test.

Test C. (Feb. 25, 1959 - Apr. 20, 1959). Fifty 25-day-old birds
selected at random were fed the same concentrations as in test B. This
age group was selected because they were still immature birds and had
not started their egg laying cycle. The diet was fed until the 80th
day of survival or until death.

Test D. (Apr. 12, 1959 ~ May 1, 1959). Second generation birds
hatched from eggs laid by the survivors of test C were observed from
their 50th to 70th day of age as in the previous tests but were fed
only acetone-treated feed. Due to the mortality rate of the birds fed
700 p.p.m. in test C there were no eggs produced. The eggs from birds
fed 500 p.p.m. in test C failed to hatch. Therefore. the second gen-
eration birds consisted of birds hatched from eggs produced by birds
from the check, 100, and 300 p.p.m. diets from test C.

Test E. (Apr. 21, 1959 - Apr. 26, 1959). Birds surviving on the
80th day from test C were placed on a starvation diet along with con—
.trol birds on the same starvation diet. This diet consisted only of

fresh water.

16

Test F. (Apr. 27, 1959 - May 2, 1959). The sixth test was run on

five pairs of 25—, 35-, and 50-day-old untreated birds selected at ran-
dom. The birds were placed on the starvation diet and observed until

their death. As in test E, this diet consisted only of fresh water.

PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION OF RESULTS

The data from test A indicated that the range of dosage resulting
in the shortest survival times was found to be between 900 and 9000
p.p.m. Thus the concentration ranges of 100, 300, 500, and 700 p.p.m.
were used in succeeding tests to study the effects of DDT. Symptoms
of DDT poisoning were observed throughout this experiment and are des—
cribed in the procedure.

Food Consumption. Mean food consumption as recorded from tests B,

 

C. and D is compiled in Table l and Figure I. In these three tests
only one statistically significant difference was noted. In test C.
birds receiving 700 p.p.m. DDT consumed significantly less food than
the check birds. It will be noted in Table 9, however, that the sur-
vival time for these pairs was only 9.2 mean days. The mean quantity
of eaten food per day was therefore based on a much shorter period
than were the means for the lower concentrations. While the birds
lived, however, they consumed less food. Although not statistically
significant in test B a trend seems evident: as DDT concentration in-
creased, food consumption decreased (Figure I). The experimental error
within tests was large and thus many small differences between treat-
ments could be obscured. This trend suggests that there is a weight
loss resulting from increased sub-lethal amounts of DDT. This loss
could be due to the effects of the insecticide or to the birds refusal
to eat as a result of unpalatable food. However, all birds at the

highest level showed the familiar tremors that precede death by DDT

17

18

Table 1. Mean amount of food consumed per day, per bird, for birds in
tests B and C fed on different DDT diets and in test D (2nd
generation birds from test C) fed on untreated diets.

 

Mean Grams of Food Consumed

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No. of Per Bird Per Day
Treatment Bird Birds' Age and Test Letter
P.P.M. Pair Test B Test C Test D
Repli- 25-80 days 50-80 days 50-70 days
cations lst lst 2nd
Generation Generation Generation
Check 5 18.8 18.9 18.5 (a)
100 5 17.6 16.5 17.1 (a)
300 5 14.7 16.4 16.4 (a)
500 5 14.2 17.4 -- (b)
700 5 13.3 12.6* -- (b)

 

*Differs significantly from all other means in column at 5% level
using the studentized multiple range test described by Duncan
(1955).

(a) Untreated diets.

(b) There was no hatch to produce second generation birds.

19

2400
2200 0 test C bird pairs
2000 X test B bird pairs

 

r r l n
0 100 300 500 700

concentrations of DDT in p.p.m.

Figure 1. Total amount food consumed (entire test) per pair,
per day for tests B and C (regression line sight
fitted).

20
poisoning, which indicates that at least some food was consumed. Food
was calculated for bird pairs because of the necessity of housing
pairs for reproduction purposes and to study subsequent hatchability.
It is evident from Tables 2 and 3, that females either gained more
weight or lost less than did the males. It cannot be concluded on the
basis of these data that food consumption for the female was greater
because the feed intake of the individual birds was not measured. Mean
food consumed for the entire test was analyzed because the consumption
rate for the first half of the test and the last half of the test did
not vary greatly for surviving birds from tests B or C.

Mean Egngeights. Average weight of eggs as recorded from Tests

 

B, C, and D is compiled in Table 4. In these three tests there were no
significant differences at any level of treatment which affected the
weight of eggs. At the highest concentration, 700 p.p.m., there was no
egg production for test C birds and at the 500 p.p.m. treatment there
was no hatch to produce second generation birds.

Weight Gain. Mean weight gain of male, female, and paired birds

 

recorded from tests B and C is compiled in Tables 2 and 3 and Figures
11 and III respectively. In these two tests no significant differences
were found, except that in test B birds receiving 700 p.p.m. DDT dif—
fered significantly from all other treatments. Test B birds showed
that the response of the male to the treatment was significantly dif-
ferent from that of the female. The males lost more weight than the
females as the concentrations of DDT increased. Test C birds showed no
such sex difference. Weight gain data for second generation birds were

not analyzed as there were no obvious trends. Table 5 was constructed

21

Table 2. Mean weight gain of birds1 per day for 50-80 day-old males,
females, and mated pairs (test B) under different DDT diets.

 

 

 

 

No. of Weight Gain for Bird
Bird Mean Weight Gain Pairs Per Bird in
Treatment Pair Per Day in Grams Grams

P.P.M. Repli- Mean Class of
cations Male Female Weight Signifi-
cance**

Check 5 .43 .13 .28 II

100 5 .19 .27 .23 II
300 5 -1 65 -.17 -.91 II. I
500 5 -2.06 -l.19 -1.74 11. I

700 5 -5.00 -.23 -3.65* I

 

*Differed significantly from check at 5% level using the studentized
multiple range test described by Duncan (1955). (D = 2.38).

**If two treatments do not have a common number then the treatments
are significantly different at the 5% level, conversely, if two
treatments share a common number they are not significantly differ-
ent. This technique was suggested by Dean L. Haynes.

lMean wt. gain = beginning wt. - final wt.
no. of days in test or
until death of bird

 

22

1
Table 3. Mean weight gain of birds per day for 25-80 day old males,
females, and mated pairs (test C) under different DDT diets.

 

 

 

 

No. of Mean Weight Gain Weight Gain for Bird
Treatment Bird Per Day in Grams* Pairs Per Bird in
P.P.M. Pair Grams
Repli- Mean Class of
cations Male Female Weight Signifi-
cance
Check 5 .66 1.01 .84 I
100 5 .64 1.02 .84 I
300 5 .20 .77 .54 I
500 5 .73 1.06 .89 I
700 5 .60 .62 .61 I

 

*No significant differences between means.

1Mean wt. gain = beginning wt. - final wt.
no. of days in test or
until death of bird.

 

23

Table 4. Mean weight of eggs for birds in tests B and C fed different
concentrations of DDT and in test D (2nd generation birds
from test C) fed on untreated diets.

 

Mean Weight of Eggs in Grams*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No. of Birds' Age and—Test Letter ;__

Bird Test B Test C Test D #_

Treatment Pair 50-80 days 25 -80 days 50-70 days(a)

P.P.M. Repli- lst lst 2nd

cations Generation Generation Generation__
Check 5 8.63 8.74 8.86 (c)
100 5 9.04 8.28 8.85 (c)
300 5 7.68 8.76 8.41 (c)
500 5 8.98 8.40 —- (d)
700 5 8.67 0.00 (b) -- (d)

 

*No significant difference between means

(a) 2nd generation birds were obtained from 25-80 day old birds and
were fed untreated food.

(b) Birds died before egg production.
(c) Untreated diets.

(d) There was no hatch to produce second generation birds.

140
130
120
110
100
90
80
70

60

140 ’

130
120

110
100
90
80
70

weight gain in grams

60

140
130
120
110
100
90
80
7O

60

Figure

L check

 

 

500 p.p.m.

 

1

 

 

,J

 

50 56 62 58

74
age of bird in days

80

 

 

24
female
----- - male
300 p.p.m.
700 p.p.m.
I
a""--~~~’J ‘\
\
\
\
1
P J l L l l
50 56 62 68 74 80

11. Growth curves for test B birds fed different DDT concentration
diets starting at an age of 50 days and continuing to the 80th

day.

140 '

130 check 95
120 - -—-— female

110 P ------ male

100 ’
90 p
80 b

70k

60 '

 

14o -
130 -
120 -
11o -
100 l-
90 t-
80 -
70 ~
60 L.

   

weight gain in grams

 

140
130

120

700 p.p.m.

110
100
90
80
70

6 l A I g I J 1_7 1 A 1 l n
25 37 49 61 73 85 25 37 49 61 73 85
age of bird in days

./
I
/'

 

Figure III. Growth curves for test C birds fed different DDT concentration

diets starting at an age of 25 days and continuing to the 80th
day.

26

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table 5. Mean body weight of birds in grams according to sex, age.
and number of days on varied DDT diets.
Age of Males and Females at Time of Weighing
Treat- 25 Days 50 Days 80 Days
ment On DDT Diet For 0n DDT Diet For
P.P.M. No DDT No DDT 25 Days No DDT 55 Days 30 Days
mean body weight of male birds in grams
Check 74.2(a) 96.8(b) 98.4 95.6(a) 107.8 104.2
100 93.2 86.4 102.4
300 67.5(d) 99.7 102.5
500 103.7(d) 92.0 (c)
700 (c) (C) (C)
mean body weight of female birds in grams
Check 79.3(a) 123.3(b) 126.8 121.6(a) 127.3 127.8
100 113.8 135.7 131.6
300 120.5 138.7 (c)
500 124.7 121.0(c) (c)
700 (c) (c) (c)

 

(a) Mean weight of 25 birds.

(b) Mean weight of 15 birds.

(c) Birds died before this period in the experiment.

(d) Only one replication remaining.

27

to show how the body weights of birds at different ages responded to
varying lengths of time they were on the DDT diets. It will be noted
that no obvious trends appear for birds remaining at the completion of
the various tests. As the concentration increases there appear to be
greater variations within treatments as shown in Figures 11 and III.
These data were not analyzed statistically due to the lack of replica-
tions in higher treatments where heavy mortality occurred.

Number of Eggs Laid and Proportions That Were Fertile. The mean

 

number of eggs laid and proportions of these that were fertile (as re-
corded from tests B, C, and D) are compiled in Table 6. Table 7 com—
pares the mean number of eggs laid and proportions that were fertile
between the 50th and 70th day of the birds life for test B, C, and D.
In these three tests no significant differences were found. At the
highest concentration, 700 p.p.m., there was no egg production for test
C birds and at 500 p.p.m. no hatch occurred, hence there were no second
generation birds. The analysis of these data was made by means of an
arcsin transformation of the proportions. This technique gives addi—
tional weight to the smaller proportions. As Snedecor (1957) points
out this technique will bring out smaller differences since proportions
are not normally distributed, the smaller proportions having smaller
variances. At higher concentrations mortality increased (Figures IV
and V) and fewer eggs were laid; therefore, more eggs were compared at
the lower than higher concentrations. A comparison between the age
classes and second generation birds was not made due to the heavy mor-
tality reducing the number of replications and the fact that the tests

were not run for equal periods of time. These variables increased the

28

Table 6. Mean number of eggs laid per female and fertile eggs from
birds on different sub-lethal DDT diets expressed as per-
centage of mean number of eggs laid.

 

Percent
Treatment No. of Mean Number Percent Fertile Eggs
P.P.M. Repli- Eggs Laid Fertile Adjusted for
cations (a) Eggs Broken Eggs
(b)

 

Test B
lst generation birds, 50th to 80th day of birds life

 

 

 

Check 4 22.0 38.4 43.7
100 5 21.8 45.5 48.7
300 1 15.0 47.0 54.0

Test C
lst generation birds, 25th to 80th day of birds life

Check 4 33.3 20.1 22.1
100 5 25.3 29.0 31.4
300 1 35.0 40.5 41.5

Test D
2nd generation birds receiving no DDT(c)
50th to 70th day of birds life

Check 5 15.4 9.3 11.6
100 2 13.5 30.1 31.1
300 5 14.4 29.1 31.4

 

(a) No significant differences between means.

(b) No significant differences between proportions using arcsin trans-
formation technique discussed by Snedecor G. W. (1957) p. 316.

(c) 2nd generation birds from test C started at an age of 25 days.

29

 

 

 

 

 

Table 7. Mean number of eggs laid per female and eggs from birds on
different sub-lethal DDT diets expressed as percentage of
mean number of eggs laid between the age of the 50th and 70th
day of birds life.

Percent
No. Mean Number Percent Fertile Eggs
Treatment Repli- Eggs Laid Fertile Adjusted for
P.P.M. cations (a) Eggs Broken Eggs
_ on
Test B
birds started on diet at beginning of test
Check 4 13.8 28.8 31.9
100 5 14.2 50.4 53.0
300 l 9.0 44.0 50.0
Test C
birds on diet for 25 days prior to test
Check 4 18.8 22.6 22.6
100 5 9.8 23.8 25.9
300 3 17.7 24.4 26.2
Test D
2nd generation birds receiving no DDT(c)
Check 5 15.4 9.3 11.6
100 2 13.5 30.1 31.1
300 5 14.4 29.1 31.4

 

(a) No significant differences between means.

(b) No significant differences between proportions using arcsin trans-

formation technique discussed by Snedecor G. W.

(1957) p. 316.

(c) 2nd generation birds from test C started at an age of 25 days.

percent mortality

percent mortality

30

 

100 A
90 -
80 - ,..
70h- I
60 r ,

50 r 1
40 b
30 r '

  
 
     

— female
20 “s-

10 ’ ‘~~

 

l
100 300 500 700
concentration of DDT in p.p.m.

 

Figure IV. Percent mortality (entire test) per bird for test B.

 

 

 

100 -

90 -

80 b

70 L

60 -

50 .

40 _. ’,v" female
30 E .””’- -----male
20 b-----------’

10 b

l
0

 

100 300 500 ‘700
concentration of DDT in p.p.m.

Figure V. Percent mortality (entire test) per bird for test C.

31

experimental error to such an extent that comparisons between tests
would have very little validity. It can be noted that hatchability was
rather low; undoubtedly this was due to the fact that eggs were stored
at room temperature and due to the fact that it was only possible to
roll the eggs once every 24 hours instead of following the recommended
practice of once every eight hours. Tables 6 and 7 show that as DDT
concentrations increase there appears to be a corresponding increase

in hatchability; however, this trend is not significant statistically.

Length of Survival. Mean days of survival as recorded from tests

 

B and C are compiled in Tables 8 and 9 respectively. There were sig—
nificant differences in survival between the 300, 500, and 700 p.p.m.
treatments in test B whereas there were only significant differences
between test C birds at the 500 and 700 p.p.m. treatments. The
classes of significance column from test B birds shows that the 300
p.p.m. treatment differed significantly from the 500 and 700 p.p.m.
treatments but that the 500 p.p.m. treatments did not differ signifi-
cantly from the 700 p.p.m. treatment. The classes of significance
column for test C birds shows that the 500 p.p.m. treatment differed
from the 700 p.p.m. treatments. Numbers of second generation birds
were not analyzed as there was no mortality. Table 10 was constructed
to show a comparison between Tables 8 and 9. It was adjusted for equal
amounts of DDT in diets with age being the only variable. The results
were the same as for test C birds. These same results were repeated
when Table 11 was constructed by pooling the means from Tables 8 and 10.
Mortality. Percent mortality as recorded for total length of test

from B and C is compiled in Figures IV and V. The highest concentrations

32

 

 

 

Table 8. Mean days of survival of test B birds fed on different DDT
concentration diets starting at an age of 50 days and con-
tinuing to the 80th day.

No. of 5%(a)

Treat- Bird Mean Days of Survival Classes Percent

ment Pair of Sig- Influence

P.P.M. Repli— Female Male Pair nificance (b)
cations of Pairs

Check 5 30.0 26.8 28.4 111 5.3

100 5 30.0 30.0 30.0 III 0.0
300 5 26.8 14.4 20.6* II 31.3
500 5 8.0 9.4 8.7* I 71.0
700 5 14.2 4.6 9 4* I 68 7

 

*Differs significantly from check at 5% level (D = 7.54) using the
studentized multiple range test described by Duncan (1955).

(a) applies only to "pair" mean column.

(b) percent influence =

length of test (days) — survival time (days)

 

length of test (days)

(Equals number of days lived less than the maximum, expressed as
a percentage of the maximum possible days of life in the test).

Table

33

9. Mean days of survival of test C birds fed on different DDT
concentration diets starting at an age of 25 days and con-
tinuing to the 80th day.

 

 

 

No. of 5%(8)
Treat- Bird Mean Days of Survival Classes Percent
ment Pair of Sig- Influence
P.P.M. Repli-- Female Male Pair nificance (b)
cations of Pairs
Check 5 55.0 48.6 51.8 III 5.8
100 5 55.0 54.2 54.6 111 0.7
300 5 46.8 48.6 47.7 III 13.3
500 5 26.0 22.4 24.2* II 56.0
700 5 7.0 11.4 9.2* I 83.3

 

*Differs significantly from check at 5% level (D = 15.44) using the

studentized multiple range test described by Duncan (1955).

(a) applies only to "pair" mean column.

(b) percent influence = length of test (days) - survival time (days)

 

length of test (days)

(Equals number of days lived less than the maximum, expressed as
a percentage of the maximum possible days of life in the test).

34

Table 10. Mean days of survival of birds fed on different DDT concen—
tration diets from tests B and C. This table was con-
structed for comparison between Tables 8 and 9 with only
age as a variable.

 

No. of 5%(3)

 

 

Treat- Bird Mean Days of Survival Classes percent
ment Pair -s of 818- Influence

P.P.M. Repli- Female Male Pair nificance (b)

cations of Pairs

Check 5 30.0 28.6 29.3 111 2.3
100 5 30.0 30.0 30.0 111 0.0
300 5 26.8 30.0 28.4 111 5.3
500 5 21.6 22.2 21.9* II 27.0
700 5 7.0 10.8 8.9* I 70.3

 

*Differs significantly from check at 5% level (D = 4.15) using the
studentized multiple range test described by Duncan (1955).

(a) applies only to "pair" mean column.

(b) percent influence = length of test (days) - survival time (days)
length of test (days)

 

(Equals number of days lived less than the maximum, expressed as
a percentage of the maximum possible days of life in the test).

35

 

 

 

Table 11. Mean days of survival of birds fed on different DDT concen—
tration diets. This data resulted from pooling the means
from Tables 8 and 10.
No. of 5%(3)
Treat- Bird Mean Days of Survival Classes Percent
ment Pair of Sig— Influence
P.P.M. Repli- Female Male Pair nificance (b)
cations of Pairs
Check 10 30.0 27.7 28.9 III 3.7
100 10 30.0 30.0 30.0 111 0.0
300 10 26.8 22.2 24.5 111 18.3
500 10 14.8 15.8 15.3* 11 49.0
700 10 10.6 7.7 9.2* I 69.0

 

*Differs significantly from check at 5% level (D = 5.9) using the
studentized multiple range test described by Duncan (1955).

(a) applies only to "pair" mean column.

(b) percent influence = length of test (days) - survival time (days)

 

length of test (days)

(Equals number of days lived less than the maximum, expressed as
a percentage of the maximum possible days of life in the test.)

36

of DDT. (500 and 700 p.p.m.) resulted in 100 percent mortality at the
completion of all tests. The other treatments showed varying effects
upon the individual paired birds. It appears that the male is more
inclined to succumb to the effects of DDT poisoning than the females
particularly at the 300 p.p.m. levels of concentration. All birds
other than check birds showed typical DDT poisoning prior to death as
described previously in the procedure. The duration of the treatments
did not appear to affect the rate of growth (Tables 2 and 3, Figures
II and 111). Second generation birds (test D) were not analyzed as
there was no mortality. A trend seems to indicate (Table 12) that fe-
males consume more DDT than do males prior to death of the bird. Al-
though this investigation was not to ascertain the specific LD 50 for
given age birds, Figures VI, VII, and VIII are presented to consider
the topic in a general non-critical manner. Figure VI shows the com-
bined survival rates from tests B and C over a 42.5 day period disre-
garding sex. This graph indicates that approximately 5.25 milligrams
of DDT would have to be ingested per day for 42.5 days to reach 50 per
cent mortality. Figures VII and VIII represent mean amounts of DDT
ingested in milligrams per bird pairs at different rates. The graphs
indicate that there is a difference in the effects of DDT on varded
age levels, lengths of feeding, and concentrations of toxicant in diet.
Test B birds reached 50 percent mortality at the 300, 500, and 700
p.p.m. levels of concentration whereas test C birds reached this level
at only the 500 and 700 p.p.m. treatments.

Comparing the work of Draper gt 21 (1950) with results of this

study it would appear that residues normally found in the field would

37

 

 

 

 

 

Table 12. Mean amount of food and DDT consumed by tests B and C males
and females in relation to survival time.
Total Mean Amt. Mean Amt. DDT
Treatment Mean Days of of DDT Consumed Consumed Per Day
P.P.M. Survival infimg; Per Bird in mg. Per Bird
Male Female Male Female Male or Female
Test B
Check 26.8 30. 000.0 000.0 0.00
100 30.0 30. 053.0 053.0 1.77
300 14.4 26. 064.0 118.0 4.40
500 9.4 8. 067.0 057.0 7.13
700 4.6 14. 043.0 132.0 9.30
Test C.
Check 48.6 55. 000.0 000.0 0.00
100 54.2 55. 089.0 091.0 1.65
300 48.6 46 239.0 230.0 4.91
500 22.4 26. 195.0 226.0 8.69
700 11.4 7. 101.0 062.0 8.86

 

percent mortality

100 '

38

       
 

80 F

60 -

50 ------------------------- -----------------~----

40 -
30 A
20 -
10

 

0 l l n l L, l l
125 250 375 500 625 750 875 1000
grams DDT consumed per day x 10'5

 

Figure VI. Mbrtality of birds (entire test) fed DDT for an average
of 42.5 days (results from tests B and C disregarding
sex).

39

500 ppm

700 PPm
100 -

90 ~
80 -
70 r'
60 P

  
  

300 ppm

 

50 -------
40 b
30 L- _
20 .-
10

percent mortality

1 l j l L L L I

20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200 220
mean accumulated consumption of DDT in mg/bird pairs

 

 

Figure VII. Mortality and mean amount of DDT ingested in milligrams
for test B bird pairs.

700 99m 500 ppm
100 L

90 -
80 -
70 5
60 -

50.---- -- ------- -----’ ....................

40 b 300 ppm
30 b
20 '

, ‘ 4 ‘ 1r—i-i---‘---‘---L—-—-—-
4O 80 120 160 200 240 280 320 360 400 440

mean accumulated consumption of DDT in mg/bird pairs

percent mortality

 

Figure VIII. Mbrtality and mean amount of DDT ingested in milligrams
for test C bird pairs.

40

not approach the point where mortality would result. The higher con—
centrations which caused significant differences in this study would be
comparable to applying a treatment of DDT of more than 1000 pounds per
acre. Coburn and Treichler (1946) found that DDT administered in oil
solutions was approximately 3 1/2 times more toxic than when adminis-
tered in crystalline form. This would indicate that the higher concen-
trations which caused significant differences in this study would be
comparable to the use of DDT-oil solutions at the rate of about 330
pounds of DDT per acre. This amount would be far above the standard
practices employed.

Starvation of DDT-Treated Birds. Effects of starvation on DDT-

 

treated birds (test E) are compiled in Table 13. Birds remaining from
test C were placed on starvation diets. They were supplied only with
fresh water. All birds from DDT-treated diets showed definite symptoms
of DDT poisoning when the bird was forced to rely on stored body foods.
No significant difference between males in the check, 100, and 300
p.p.m. treatments were noted. The DDT-treated females differed signifi-
cantly from the check birds but did not differ from each other. This
evidence supports the known fact that DDT at all concentrations is
stored in the body fat and can later become toxic. This has already
been noted in the literature review. All check birds alive at the com-
pletion of 6 days were taken off the starvation diet since all DDT-
treated birds were dead.

Starvation Diets on Untreated Birds. Results of starvation diets

 

on untreated birds (test F) are compiled in Table 14. Untreated 25-.

35-, and 50—day-old birds were placed on a starvation diet. In all age

41

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table 13. Mean days survival of test E birds on starvation diets.
Birds remaining at the completion of test C which were fed
a DDT diet for a period of 55 days were used for this
study.
No. Mean Class of Mean Class of
Treatment of Days of Signifi- Days of Signifi-
P.P.M. Replications Survival cance Survival cance
Male Female Males Females
Check (a) 5 4 5 6 I 6 0 II
100 (b) 5 4 5.2 I 2.0* 1*
300 (b) 3 3 4.7 I 3.3* 1*

 

*Differs significantly from the check at 5% level (D = 1.63) using
the multiple range test described by Duncan (1955), but the 300
p.p.m. did not differ from the 100 p.p.m. diet.

(a) Taken off starvation diet at the end of 6 days.

(b) All birds showed symptoms of DDT poisoning.

42

Table 14. Mean days survival of 25-, 35-, and 50-day-old untreated
test F birds placed on starvation diets.

 

 

 

 

Days of
Age at No. Mean Class of Mean Class of
Start of of Days of Signifi- Days of Signifi—
Starva- Replications Survival cance Survival cance
tion Male Female Males Females
25 5 5 1.8 III 2.0 II
35 5 5 3.0 II* 2.6 1*
50 5 5 4.2 1* 4.4 1*

 

*Differs significantly from the check at 5% level (male D = .52,
female D = .89) using the multiple range test described by Duncan
(1955).

43

groups there were significant differences in sexes with the males liv-
ing longer than the females. Again as in test E, birds were supplied
only with fresh water. It can therefore be concluded that the age of
the bird and its sex influences the survival under starvation condi-
tions. This suggests that in areas where the natural food has been
destroyed by a chemical treatment birds have either a choice of leav-

ing or starving and younger birds would be expected to succumb earlier.

SUMMARY

Technical DDT was dissolved in acetone and mixed in feed at vari—

ous concentrations and fed at different intervals to Japanese quail,

 

Coturnix coturnix japonica. This experiment was conducted on the

 

Michigan State University campus during 1958 and 1959.

Data were obtained on: (1) mean amounts of food consumed per day;
(2) mean body weight gained per day; (3) mean weights of eggs; (4)
mean number of eggs laid; (5) proportion of eggs laid that were fer-
tile; (6) mean days of survival of birds; (7) mortality of birds; (8)
mean body weight of birds according to sex, age, and number of days on
varied DDT diets; and (9) effects of starvation on untreated and DDT-
treated birds supplied only with fresh water.

This investigation was designed to evaluate progressive feeding
of established rates of DDT and not to ascertain a specific LD—50 for
given age birds.

Experimental results indicate that:

l. The Japanese Quail served as a very useful and efficient lab—
oratory animal in this investigation.

2. There was a trend towards decreased food consumption follow-
ing an increase in the concentration of DDT in food.

3. Levels of DDT up to 700 p.p.m. had no effect on egg weights,
number of eggs laid, or hatchability.

4. In one test, increased concentrations of DDT in the food de-

creased body weight.

44

45

5. There was a general increase in mortality as the concentration
of DDT increased in the diet.

6. The minimum lethal dosage was estimated to be between 300 and
500 p.p.m. of DDT.

7. Male birds were more susceptible to effects of DDT than were
females.

8. Treated birds appeared to store DDT in the reserve food sup-
ply at all levels of DDT feeding.

9. The age of the bird influenced its survival under starvation

conditions.

LITERATURE CITED

Adams, L., M.B. Hanavan, N.W. Hosley and D.W. Johnston
1949. The effects on fish, birds, and mammals of DDT used in the
control of forest insects in Idaho and Wyoming. Jour.
Wildl. Mgt. 13: 245-254.

Barker, R.J.
1958. Notes on some ecological effects of DDT sprayed on elms.
Jour. Wildl. Mgt. 22: 269-274.

Benton, A.H.
1951. Effects on wildlife of DDT used for control of Dutch elm
disease. Jour. Wildl. Mgt. 15: 20-27.

Coburn, D.R., and R. Treichler.
1946. Experiments on toxicity of DDT to wildlife. Jour. Wildl.
Mgt. 10: 208-216.

Cottam, E., and E. Higgins.
1946. DDT and its effect on fish and wildlife. Jour. Econ. Ent.
39: 44-52.

Dewitt, J.B.
1955. Effects of chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides upon quail
and pheasants. Jour. Agr. Food Chem. 3: 672—676.

Dewitt, J.B., J.V. Derby, Jr., and G.F. Mangan, Jr.
1955. DDT vs. Wildlife. Relationships between quantities in-
gested, toxic effects and tissue storage. Jour. Amer. Pharm.
Assoc., Sci. Ed. 44; 22-24.

Draper, C.I., C. Biddulph, D.A. Greenwood, J.R. Harris, W. Binns,
M.L. Miner.
1950. Concentrations of DDT in tissues of chickens fed varying
levels of DDT in the diet. Poul. Sci. 29: 756.

Duncan, David B.
1955. Multiple range and multiple F tests. Jour. of Biometrics
11: 1-42.

Fitzhugh, 0.6. and A.A. Nelson.
1947. The chronic oral toxicity of DDT (2,2-bis (p-chlorophenyl-l,
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