Effects of fentin hydroxide on reproduction of the Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica).

In a one-generation reproductive study, the fungicidal compound triphenyltin hydroxide (fentin) was administered to adult Japanese quail for 6 weeks at dietary levels of 3 and 30 ppm. Reproduction was significantly impaired in the high-dose group. The principal adverse finding was a marked increase in embryonic mortality, resulting in a lower hatch rate. Furthermore, a reduction in egg production was observed with ongoing duration of treatment. Most of the other reproduction-related parameters were not affected. The in ovo losses are assumed to result from a direct toxic effect of the test substance on chick embryos. At the low dietary level, reproduction was not altered. In contrast to the obvious reproductive toxicity, there was only limited evidence of adverse treatment-related findings in the adult birds. However, because such minor effects as an increase in mean liver weight, which was accompanied by macroscopic liver findings and a decrease in T4 serum concentration, were still seen at 3 ppm, a no-observed-effect level could not be established.

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

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.