Notes on the effects of sub-lethal doses of lindane and aldicarb on the reproduction of common quail

Lindane and aldicarb were dissolved in the drinking water of captive common quail Cotumix cotumix at doses of 1, 3 and 9 ppm and 1.5, 2.25 and 3 ppm, respectively, for seven days. Eggshell thickness, egg volume, egg mass, incubation time, hatchability and embryo development were recorded prior to, during and after the treatment. Egg production was not affected by exposure to either lindane or aldicarb. Egg mass was reduced significantly and egg volume increased slightly at 3 ppm lindane. There was no significant eggshell thinning as a result of exposure to lindane. Fertility and hatchability were lower at 3 and 9 ppm of lindane. Furthermore, incubation period was slightly reduced and overall fecundity decreased as a result of lindane ingestion. At higher concentrations, egg mass increased significantly post aldicarb treatment. Aldicarb exposure did not significantly change shell thickness. However, fertility was slightly reduced during treatment. For fertile eggs, hatchability was also reduced. The reduced hatchability can be partly attributed to a high rate of embryo mortality. However, hatchability remained high during all phases of the study.