Calcium-45 uptake by shell gland, oviduct, plasma and eggshell of DDT-dosed ducks and chickens

Experiments were conducted with ducks and chickens to determine the effects of acute doses of DDT and DDE on calcium-45 balance and calcium-45 distribution among plasma, femur, tibia, oviduct, shell gland, and eggshell. Species differences in distribution of calcium-45 were evident between control ducks and control chickens. Ducks contained more radiocalcium in plasma, shell glands, tibias, and femurs than chickens and eliminated less radiocalcium in their droppings than chickens. The percentage of radiocalcium deposited in eggshells by control birds of either species was about equal. Ducks and chickens treated with DDT or DDE contained more radiocalcium in their shell glands than their respective controls. Treatment with DDT or DDE caused eggshell thinning in ducks but not in chickens; however, treatment with DDT or DDE did not alter significantly the percentage of radiocalcium that appeared in eggshells of either species.