Dietary Toxicity

Both acute and chronic effects of compounds can be evaluated through dietary studies. Substances that are poorly metabolized and that accumulate in some tissues, such as fat in the case of lipophilic substances, can pose problems even though they are not acutely toxic. Even compounds with moderate ability to bioaccumulate may cause problems if toxic doses can be accumulated gradually over the course of several days.

Avian Testing Component

To evaluate dietary toxicity, and aid our clients in meeting their registration requirements, Springborn conducts regulatory testing under FIFRA Avian Dietary LC50 Test (Series 71-2), OPPTS Avian Dietary Toxicity Test 850.2200 (http://www.epa.gov/oppts/pubs/frs/home/guidelin.htm), and OECD Avian Dietary Toxicity Test 205 (http://www.oecd.org/document/40/0,3343,en_2649_34377_37051368_1_1_1_1,00.html). A standard LC50 test designed to meet these regulatory guidelines requires a minimum of 8 days in-life.

Analytical Verification Component

Dietary toxicity studies incorporate analytical chemistry and residue analysis of the test diets. Springborn maintains two separate analytical facilities that can accommodate the dietary analyses requirements of the avian dietary studies. Springborn is able to either develop analytical methodology tailored to the project�s specifications, or follow methodology provided by the client.

Other Uses for Dietary Toxicity Testing

In addition to the standard determination of mean lethal concentration endpoint, Springborn can modify dietary testing to address the issues of avoidance and repellency. We have experience with such testing with mallards, bobwhite and various passerine species. Dietary toxicity tests are typically conducted using a required representative test species (such as the mallard and/or northern bobwhite), but can be tailored to focus on other key species of interest, and can be conducted either indoors in environmentally-controlled test rooms or in outdoor aviaries.