Effects of polychlorinated biphenyls on poultry

Abstract ‘Aroclor 1254’ was fed to laying pullets at 0, 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 mg per kg of diet. After 24 weeks the concentration of total polychlorinated biphenyls in body fat was 11–17 times the dietary level and the relative concentrations in body fat, liver, muscle, and whole eggs were 40, 4, 1, and 1, respectively. The concentration in body fat and in eggs was reduced to one half 14 weeks and 6 weeks respectively after withdrawal of the treated diet. Live body weights, brain, kidney, and egg weights, and eggshell thickness were unaffected. High doses generally increased liver and heart weights. Egg production and hatchability were reduced at higher doses. No signs of toxicity were observed. The use of local meat meal and fish meal in a mash is not likely to result in any significant accumulation of polychlorinated biphenyls in poultry products.