Sub-lethal toxic effects of deltamethrin on blood biochemical parameters of Japanese quail, Coturnix japonica

Abstract

Feeding deltamethrin-contaminated grains to domestic poultry, such as quails may result in toxic effects in these birds. This study was done to investigate the effects of recommended doses of deltamethrin, sometimes used in grain storage silos, on Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). Quails were fed grains contaminated with 0.25 and 0.50 mg deltamethrin per kg diet for 21 days and the effects on survival and blood biochemical parameters were studied. Plasma uric acid, creatinine levels, and creatinine phosphokinase activity in the blood were increased. Aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase activities and glucose levels significantly increased in birds treated with the high dose of deltamethrin. Alanine aminotransferase activity and albumin or cholesterol levels were not changed, and acetylcholinesterase and alkaline phosphatase activities, total protein and globulin in plasma were decreased. Administration of 0.25 mg/kg deltamethrin caused increased blood triglyceride levels, 0.50 mg/kg deltamethrin decreased triglyceride levels.

Keywords:

• deltamethrin
• blood biochemical parameters
• Japanese quail

Acknowledgments

The authors gratefully acknowledge the support offered by the Behbahan Khatam Alanbia University of Technology and are also grateful to Mr Navid Zamany and Mr Behzad Nematdoost Hagi, laboratory assistants, for their cooperation and assistance throughout the research and writing of the manuscript. We also thank our English editor, Maryam Banaee for proofreading the manuscript.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by grant from Behbahan Khatam Alanbia University of Technology.