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USGS · 5221096

Eggshell modifications in captive American kestrels resulting from Aroclor 1248 in the diet

T. Peter Lowe·Rey C. Stendell
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Abstract

American kestrels ( Falco sparverius ) were fed diets containing 3 μg/g Aroclor ® 1 1248 or control diets from mid-January until July. Eggs were removed from first clutches 2 to 4 days after laying ceased and shell thickness and shell dimensions were measured. Contents of the third egg of each clutch, the carcasses of all adults that received Aroclor ® 1248 and of three males and three females that received the control diet were analyzed for DDE, Aroclors ® 1248, 1254 and 1260, and dieldrin. Concentrations of PCBs, DDE and dieldrin were significantly higher (P < 0.03) in eggs and carcasses from treated adults than in controls. Shell thickness and shell thickness index of eggs from treated adults were reduced 5.0% (P < 0.0001) and 4.8% (P < 0.0001), respectively, from those of controls.

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T. Peter Lowe, Rey C. Stendell. 1991. Eggshell modifications in captive American kestrels resulting from Aroclor 1248 in the diet. https://doi.org/10.1007/bf01065842

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