The Effects of Polychlorinated Biphenyl on Longevity of Bobwhite Quail ( Collinus virginianus ): A Sex Differential

Abstract

Summary and Conclusions

Bobwhite quail in a nonbreeding status given PCB in their diet at a level of 500 ppm showed no sex difference in survival in outdoor aviaries during the fall (Oct.-Dec.). The 50% survival time of both sexes was found to be 28 days under these conditions. When caged indoors and in a breeding status the 50% survival time of both sexes was prolonged, but the hens lived longer (50% survival time of 50 days) than the cocks (50% survival time of 39 days). Furthermore, 75% of the cocks died within 50 days while it required nearly twice this amount of time (96 days) for 75% of the hens to die.

A comparison of the survival of the female quail with the egg-lay record indicated a positive correlation between survival and egg production. Whether the better survival of the hens in breeding condition is due to excretion of the PCB in the egg, or to some other phenomena is not known.

Thanks are expressed to Mr. George Wint, Superintendent of the Oklahoma Department of Conservation Wildlife Game Bird Farm, for the quail and for housing facilities for the October experiment, and to Mr. Hugh Brown for arranging for care of the animals of the October experiment. Funds were provided by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, and Oklahoma State University College of Arts and Sciences.