Mallard Reproductive Testing in a Pond Environment: A Preliminary Study

摘要

A 2-year preliminary study was conducted on mallard ducks to determine the feasibility of using outdoor pond enclosures for reproductive studies and to evaluate the effects of the insecticide chlorpyrifos on mallard reproduction. No significant reproductive effects were observed for mallards receiving 8 ppm (mg/kg of feed) chlorpyrifos in their diet. Birds receiving 80 ppm chlopyrifos hatched significantly (p less than 0.05) fewer ducklings per successful nest (5.8) than controls (10.2). None of the ducklings on treatment ponds survived to 7 days. Control birds produced 8.4 ducklings per successful nest surviving to 7 days or longer. Birds in the 80 ppm treatment group consumed less feed than did controls(p less than 0.01). Weight loss from reduced feed consumption did not occur to the extent expected, indicating that birds supplemented their diets with natural foods found in and around the ponds. (Copyright (c) 1986 Springer-Vering New York Inc.)