Custer, T. W., and Heinz, G. H., 1980, Reproductive success and nest attentiveness
of mallard ducks Anas platyrhynchos fed aroclor 1254: Environmental Pollution
Series A Ecological and Biological, v. 21, no. 4, p. 313-318.

Abstract: 

A dietary dosage of 25 ppm Aroclor 1254 fed to 9 mo. old mallards Anas
platyrhynchos for at least 1 mo. before egg-laying had no detrimental effect on
reproductive success or nest attentiveness when hens were allowed to incubate their
own eggs. The treatment caused no effect on number of hens laying, date of 1st egg
laid or clutch size. Fertility of eggs was greater among Aroclor-treated birds (87.7%)
than among controls (73.2%). Aroclor may have stimulated males to come into
reproductive condition sooner than controls. Hatching of fertile eggs and survival of
ducklings to 3 wk of age were similar in treated and control groups. The number of
times off the nest per day and total time off the nest per day were the same for
control and Aroclor-treated hens in days 14-17 of incubation.

Keyword:

Fertility