Effects of polychlorinated biphenyls on poultry

Abstract

ABSTRACT'ArocIor 1254' was fed to laying pullets at 0, 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 mg per kg of diet. After 24 weeks the concentration of total polychlorinated biphenyls in body fat was 11-17 times the dietary level and the relative concentrations in body fat, liver, muscle, and whole eggs were 40, 4, 1, and 1, respectively. The concentration in body fat and in eggs was reduced to one half 14 weeks and 6 weeks respectively after withdrawal of the treated diet. Live body weights, brain, kidney, and egg weights, and eggshell thickness were unaffected. High doses generally increased liver and heart weights. Egg production and hatchability were reduced at higher doses. No signs of toxicity were observed. The use of local meat meal and fish meal in a mash is not likely to result in any significant accumulation of polychlorinated biphenyls in poultry products.

Accumulation and distribution of virgin plastic granules on New Zealand beaches

“…These compounds are present in some New Zealand sea birds (Solly & Shanks 1976). Polystyrene spherules and polyethylene cylinders in surface waters of the Northwestern Atlantic ocean commonly contain PCBs (to 5ppm), apparently absorbed from ambient sea water (Carpenter & Smith, 1972;.…”

Effect of polychlorinated biphenyls on poultry

“…In the present trial egg weight and eggshell thickness were unaffected but egg production and hatchability were reduced (Solly et al 1976). Whether the alteration in enzyme levels observed in the present work was sufficient to alter hormone levels and cause the reduced egg production is not known.…”

“…The type and number of pullets used and the design of the dosing trial have been described previously (Solly et al 1976).…”