Toxico-pathological effects of sodium hypochlorite administration through drinking water in female Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica)

Fifty female Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) at 40 days were divided into five equal groups. Sodium hypochlorite was added in drinking water to provide 0, 25, 50, 200, 400 mg chlorine/L for 6 weeks. At week 7, the chlorine concentration of 25 and 50 mg groups was increased to 100 mg and further increased to 400, 1600 and 6400 mg at weeks 8, 9 and 10, respectively. At the end the experiment (week 10), all the birds were sacrificed. No clinical signs were observed in quail given 50 mg chlorine/L. Quail given 200-400 mg/L chlorine exhibited decreased feed intake, body weight and egg production. In addition, those given 1600-6400 mg/L chlorine also exhibited depression. Decreased hematocrit, erythrocyte, hemoglobin, leukocytes, plasma proteins and globulin were observed at 200 mg/L chlorine and higher concentration. Gross lesions were not observed in quail offered 200-400 mg/L chlorine for 6 weeks; however, those offered 1600-6400 mg/L chlorine exhibited atrophied pectoral muscles, prominently protruding keel bones, decreased weight of ovary and oviduct and a reduction in an area of the different segments of oviduct. The histopathological picture in mucosa of oviduct consisted of degenerated glandular cells. In some cases, glandular tissue was replaced by cord of cells and fibroblast. The present study suggested that sodium hypochlorite in drinking water yielding 50 mg/L chlorine was not toxic for 6 weeks. However, sodium hypochlorite providing 200 mg/L chlorine or higher concentrations in drinking water was toxic to the quail.