Robert J. Lillie

Embryotoxic and teratogenic effects in unhatched fertile eggs from hens fed polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).

SummaryThe PCBs tested with caged White Leghorn hens were ‘Aroclors 1221, 1232, 1242, 1248, 1254, 1268, 5442 and BP-6’, fed at the 20 ppm level. In addition, 1242, 1248 and 1254 were also fed at the 2 ppm level. Feeding 20 ppm ‘Aroclors 1232, 1242, 1248 and 1254’ reduced hatchability and caused teratogenic effects in the embryos. The most common abnormalities found in the unhatched embryos were edema and unabsorbed yolk. Since ‘Aroclors 1221 and 1268’ did not adversely affect embryonic development, adverse effects of the PCBs were not directly related to the degree of chlorination of the biphenyls, or to the amount of total residue.

Retention and excretion of polybrominated biphenyls by hens

ConclusionsThe retention and elimination of PBB by hens are qualitatively similar to those of PCBs and chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticides. Steady-state level in eggs was about the same as the level in the diet, and after 63 days the level in body fat was about 4 times the level in diet.The FDA action levels for PBB are 0.05 ppm in eggs and 0.3 ppm in fat. Residues in meat and eggs should not exceed the action levels if the diet level is below 0.05 ppm. Feed consumption and egg production decrease slightly when we fed 20 ppm (LILLieet al., 1974), but effects would not likely be detectable if the diet contained only 0.05 ppm.

Role of vitamin B12 in reproduction of poultry.

Summary When hatching eggs laid by Rhode Island Red hens fed a diet deficient in vitamin B12 were injected with crystalline vitamin B12, the hatchability was improved. Among the chicks hatched from vitamin B12 injected eggs, the growth rate was greater, the mortality lower and the feathering better than among chicks hatched from H2O-injected and non-injected eggs.