Effects of vinclozolin on spermatogenesis and reproductive success in the Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica).

ABSTRACT

In a one-generation reproduction study, the major agricultural fungicide vinclozolin was administered to adult Japanese quail for a period of 6 weeks at dietary levels of 125 and 500 ppm. Fertility and reproductive performance were not affected up to the highest concentration, although the examination of additional endpoints in the drakes (spermatid count, histology of the testis) provided some evidence of an inhibition of spermatogenesis at both dietary concentrations. Likewise, there were no indications of systemic toxicity in the adult birds. Plasma hormone concentrations (estradiol, testosterone, progesterone, T3, and T4) showed a large interindividual variance but treatment-related differences between the groups could not be established. There were no clear-cut indications of antiandrogenic effects in quail, although a limited transfer of the test substance into the eggs was proven.