Document Type
Thesis - Open Access
Award Date
1972
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department / School
Entomology-Zoology
Abstract
Dieldrin-14c was administered to chickens, ducks, and cormorants to determine: (1) the accumulation and excretion of dieldrin, (2) the importance of the uropygial gland as an organ of excretion of the insecticide. Analysis of all samples was by liquid scintillation counting (14c-analysis). Samples of whole body, uropygial glands, and feathers were taken for analysis. In addition, eggs from chickens, feces from ducks and cormorants, and ectoparasites from cormorants were analyzed. Modes of excretion included eggs, feces, uropygial glands, and skin. Chickens, ducks, and cormorants with uropygial glands averaged 3.2, 6.3, and 1.8 times more radioactivity per gram, respectively on their feathers than those whose uropygial gland had been surgically removed. Use of the uropygial gland as an organ of excretion of the insecticide was indicated. Radioactivity on the feathers of birds without uropygial glands indicated that the insecticide might have been secreted through lipoid bodies in the skin of the birds. That ingested pesticides are transferred to ectoparasites was shown when radioactivity was found on ectoparasites from cormorants. These pesticides may have an effect on ectoparasite numbers.
Library of Congress Subject Headings
Uropygial gland
Insecticides
Pesticides
Birds -- Anatomy.
Format
application/pdf
Number of Pages
32
Publisher
South Dakota State University
Recommended Citation
Northwall, Gary Edmond, "Implications of the Uropygial Gland and Skin in the Excretion of Insecticides from Birds" (1972). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 4817.
https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/etd/4817