Evaluation of adult quail and egg production following exposure to perchlorate-treated water

Twenty-three adult female northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) quail were exposed to 0, 0.01, 0.1, and 1 mM ammonium perchlorate (AP) in drinking water for 30 d. Eggs laid in all treatment groups, including control, were collected, dated, given an identification number, and weighed. On day 30 of exposure, 10 birds were euthanized by carbon dioxide asphyxiation. Gross toxicological endpoints and thyroid histology were evaluated in 10 birds. Egg production and accumulation of perchlorate in the eggs (n = 10) and liver (n = 5) were determined. Perchlorate did not affect body or organ weights significantly; however, at 1 mM, AP caused alteration of thyroid gland morphology. Perchlorate did not affect egg production, but significant accumulation was observed in the eggs and livers of exposed birds.