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Effects of Kelthane® on reproduction of captive eastern screech-owls

January 1, 1989

Eastern screech-owls (Otus asio) were fed diets containing 10 ppm Kelthane® with 3.4% DDT-related contaminants (old technical formulation), 10 ppm Kelthane with no detectable DDT contaminants (new technical formulation) or a control diet. Food consumption, adult weight and date of initiation of egg laying were similar for birds in control and dosed treatment groups. Most measures of reproductive success were similar for control and dosed treatment groups. Shell weight and thickness index were significantly lower for both dosed groups than for controls. Shell thickness was significantly lower for the new Kelthane treatment than for controls. Concentrations of p,p'-DDE were significantly higher in eggs laid by pairs receiving old Kelthane than in those of birds receiving new Kelthane or in controls. Concentrations of dichlorobenzophenone, dicofol and dechlorodicofols were significantly higher in carcasses of dosed owls than in controls, whereas concentrations of DDE were significantly higher in carcasses of owls fed old Kelthane than in controls or owls fed new Kelthane.

Publication Year 1989
Title Effects of Kelthane® on reproduction of captive eastern screech-owls
DOI 10.1002/etc.5620081009
Authors Stanley N. Wiemeyer, J. W. Spann, C. M. Bunck, A. J. Krynitsky
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry
Index ID 5223644
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization Patuxent Wildlife Research Center