Reproductivity of Japanese quail fed mercuric chloride in the absence of vitamin D

Poultry Science
By:  and 

Links

Abstract

Mercuric chloride (HgCl2) was tested at 16 p.p.m. Hg for vitamin D sparing activity by presenting it dietarily in the presence and absence of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-HCC) to Japanese quail (Coturmx c. japonica) for 25 days. No gross signs characteristic of mercury poisoning were observed, but some predictable effects of vitamin D deficiency on avian reproduction were manifested within 10 days. Rate of lay, egg shell thickness, and hatchability of fertile eggs decreased markedly for birds on vitamin D-deficient diets. Shell-less eggs were laid by these birds after 20 days and laying stopped entirely on the 23rd day. Laying resumed within 5 days after diets were refortified with 25-HCC. There was no detectable interaction between HgCl2 and vitamin D.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Reproductivity of Japanese quail fed mercuric chloride in the absence of vitamin D
Series title Poultry Science
DOI 10.3382/ps.0560710
Volume 56
Issue 2
Year Published 1977
Language English
Publisher Elsevier
Contributing office(s) Patuxent Wildlife Research Center
Description 3 p.
First page 710
Last page 712
Additional publication details