The Effect of Phenoxy‐herbicides on the Hatchability of Eggs and the Viability of the Chicks

Abstract

The effect of the following phenoxy herbicides: 2,4-D, 2,4,5-T, MCPA, mechlorprop and dichlorprop on the hatchability of hens eggs and the viability of the chicks was investigated both by injecting the herbicides into the yolk and by immersing the eggs in a one or five per cent solution of the herbicides. The five herbicides were found to have rather similar embryotoxic qualities and the injection of about two mg herbicide per 60 g egg decreased the percentage hatch and in some cases the viability of the chicks. Immersion in a one per cent herbicide solution had no effect and immersion in a five per cent herbicide solution had only a moderate effect on the hatchability of the eggs and the viability of the chicks. The embryotoxic effect of 2,7-dichlorodibenzo-p-dioxin was found to be at least 100 times that of the herbicides.In the injection experiments a considerable number of malformations was observed in the dead embryos at the high dose levels.

Egg Overspray with Herbicides and Fungicides Reduces Survival of Red-Legged Partridge Chicks

“…The absence of lethal effects following the exposure of red-legged partridge eggs to 2,4-D is consistent with most published studies that have analyzed the effects of this herbicide on avian eggs and/or embryos. ,− Grolleau et al found no changes in the hatching rate of red-legged partridge eggs treated with different 2,4-D concentrations between 1.2 and 6 kg/ha. By contrast, Lutz-Ostertag and Lutz found a mortality rate of 43% in red-legged partridge eggs on the 19th day of incubation after a spray treatment of 0.55 to 1.1 kg/ha, and egg mortality rates raised to 77% for the other two species tested in that study (grey partridge and ring-necked pheasant Phasianus colchicus).…”

Behavioral Changes in Broiler Chicks Exposed to Carbaryl

“…It causes acute and chronic toxicity in arthropods, earthworms, frogs, birds, fishes and in some bacterias such as nitrogen fixing bacteria [7]. The use of such types of chemicals increased the level of these chemicals in environment and in the food which affects the human health and causes various severe diseases such as cancer, genetic disorders, respiratory diseases, embryo toxic effect, negative effects on developing bird eggs and their hatching, neurological effects and behavioural effects [8][9][10].…”

Genomic Sensitivity of Small Mammals - A Suitable Test System in the Genetic Monitoring

“…Holland et al (2002) found no statistically significant increase in MN frequency after exposure of 2,4-D in human peripheral blood lymphocytes. Injection of about 2.0 mg 2,4-D into fertile 60 g hen eggs was found to be embryotoxic and decreased in some cases the viability of the chicks, while immersion in a five percent solution had only a moderate effect on hatching (Gyrd- Hansen & Dalgaard-Mikkelsen, 1974). Arias (2003) reported a positive linear correlation between the increase of sister chromatid exchanges and doses (0.5, 1, 2 and 4 mg/embryo) in chicken eggs treated with commercial 2,4-D.…”