Reproductive Toxicology

Effects of sublethal ingestion of toxic substances can include reduced reproductive potential through reduced egg production, reduced fertility, loss of embryo viability, decreases in hatching rates or degradation in fledging success. Springborn conducts the full suite of Reproductive Toxicology Tests including the Avian Reproductive Toxicity Test based on both U.S. EPA and OECD methods and in order to fulfill the data requirements for US-EPA 40 CFR 158.145, Series 71-4 Avian Reproduction Test, and OECD Test Guideline 206 Avian Reproduction Test. These studies, typically performed using Northern Bobwhite Quail or mallards, are conducted over a 20-week exposure period and include observations on adult health, body weight and feed consumption. Studies can include range finding and limit tests as required.

Springborn has the staff and facilities to perform all phases of these tests, including rearing disease free stocks that are phenotypically indistinguishable from wild type. Our staff is experienced in the every aspect of avian culture and husbandry and their dedication to detail insures that every study is conducted conscientiously and consistently. Animal comfort and well-being is of paramount importance at the Carolina Research Center. Colonies of animals are held in different rooms and procedures for animal care, handling and identification are clearly described in SOPs and policies strictly adhered. The CRC staff is trained to assess differences in body weight, feed consumption, egg production, eggshell integrity, eggshell thickness, egg fertility, embryo viability, egg hatching success, hatchling survival and hatchling weights and routinely perform studies with durations in excess of up to several months. The CRC also performs the two generation avian reproductive studies and can combine reproductive toxicology with sophisticated analytical analysis when desired. Specialty testing in support of product discovery and/or registration is available per client request.