DDT administration: haematological effects observed in the crowned guinea-fowl (Numida meleagris)

The continued use of chlorinated hydrocarbons as pesticides prompted an investigation into the effects of DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) on the blood of the crowned guinea-fowl (Numida meleagris). Birds were acclimated for 10 weeks, and haematological data obtained after this period served as baseline values. DDT was then administered per os at 75 ppm/kg body mass. This treatment was continued daily for 5 days. Subsequent blood analyses illustrated significant effects on several of the test parameters.