ISSN:
1432-0703
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering
,
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract A 2-year preliminary study was conducted on mallard ducks (Anas platyrhynchos), to determine the feasibility of using outdoor pond enclosures for reproductive studies and to evaluate the effects of the insecticide chlorpyrifos on mallard reproduction. No significant reproductive effects were observed for mallards receiving 8 ppm (mg/kg of feed) chlorpyrifos in their diet. Birds receiving 80 ppm chlorpyrifos hatched significantly (p 〈 0.05) fewer ducklings per successful nest (5.8) than controls (10.2). None of the ducklings on treatment ponds survived to 7 days. Control birds produced 8.4 ducklings per successful nest surviving to 7 days or longer. Birds in the 80 ppm treatment group consumed less feed than did controls (p 〈 0.01). Weight loss from reduced feed consumption did not occur to the extent expected, indicating that birds supplemented their diets with natural foods found in and around the ponds. In spite of relatively low treated feed consumption, brain acetylcholinesterase was significantly (p 〈 0.05) depressed (57% of controls) for 80 ppm treated birds. Studies on indoor penned mallards fed 80 ppm chlorpyrifos in their diet also resulted in acetylcholinesterase depression to the same extent, but at much higher feed consumption levels. The study demonstrated the potential of using outdoor pond enclosures to evaluate chemical effects on food consumption, brain acetylcholinesterase, and reproduction in mallards. Improvements to the study design and to the pond enclosures are discussed.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01054923
