Breaking strength: An alternative indicator of toxic effects on avian eggshell quality

摘要

AbstractA method for measuring the breaking strength of avian eggshells is presented along with a brief review of the literature relating shell strength to chlorinated hydrocarbon exposure. The effect of dietary DDE on shell strength is compared with its effect on shell thickness in the mallard duck (Anas platyrhynchosL). Shell strength was significantly reduced at a lower dietary DDE concentration than was shell thickness. The potential utility of strength measurement as an end‐point in toxicology studies is discusse