Metabolism and disposition of 2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin in ring‐necked pheasant hens, chicks, and eggs

Abstract

The T_1/2 for whole‐body elimination of [³H]‐2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin (TCDD) derived radioactivity in ring‐necked pheasant hatchlings was 13 d, whereas in adult hen pheasants that were not producing eggs it was 378 d. All TCDD‐derived radioactivity in hen tissues was from the parent compound. The oral bioavailability of TCDD in the adult hen pheasant varied with the environmental matrix, with 30% of the dose absorbed from a suspension of earthworms, 33% absorbed from a soil suspension, 41% absorbed from a suspension of paper mill sludge, and 58% absorbed from a suspension of crickets. A cumulative dose of 1.0 μg TCDD/kg body weight, administered as weekly doses of 0.1 μg/kg for 10 wk, did not adversely affect hen condition or