Acute toxicity of gossypol in northern bobwhites

Abstract

Gossypol, a secondary metabolite found in cotton (Gossypium spp.), is known to be toxic to a variety of animals, particularly monogastric mammals and commercial poultry (Gallus domesticus). Gossypol toxicosis in poultry include reduced weight, decreased egg production, and egg yolk discolouration. However, there is limited published data regarding gossypol toxicity in northern bobwhites (Colinus virginianus), which may encounter cottonseed products in the environment and subsequently ingest gossypol. We determined the oral LD50 of gossypol in northern bobwhites following the Environmental Protection Agency’s OCSPP 850.2100 Guideline: Avian Acute Oral Toxicity Test. Through a range-finding test, we estimated that the LD50 was between 200 and 1,000 mg/kg body weight (BW). Following the range-finding test, we administered a single oral dose of refined gossypol to quail at 262, 342, 447, 585, and 765 mg/kg BW. We observed quail daily for mortality and any signs of intoxication throughout a 14-day observation period. We performed gross necropsies and had histopathology done on select organ tissues from experimental animals. Using the probit analysis, we determined that the oral LD50 of gossypol in northern bobwhites is 651 mg/kg BW (95% CI 579–731). Hepatocellular pigment accumulation and pancreatic necrosis were important lesions interpreted as evidence of gossypol toxicity.

Keywords

• acute toxicity
• colinus virginianus
• cottonseed
• gossypium spp
• gossypol
• northern bobwhites