Safety evaluation of gentian violet for breeder chickens

Four treatment levels (1.0, 2.5, 5.0 and 10.0 x the recommended use level) of a gentian violet premix (Dye-Gen) were compared with non-medicated controls for breeder chickens during a 168-day study. There were no treatment effects up to and including 10 x the recommended use level on: average daily feed consumption, feed/dozen eggs, hatchability of fertile eggs, or mortality. Fertility was higher for the birds receiving 2.5 x the recommended use level than for the non-medicated controls. Egg production was higher (P less than .05) for the non-medicated controls and 10x groups than for the birds receiving the gentian violet premix at 2.5 x the recommended use level. Semen of breeder males was observed for % abnormal sperm, % dead sperm, % motility, vigor, and semen volume. There was no treatment effect on any of the semen characteristics evaluated. It can be concluded from these data that the gentian violet premix is safe for breeder chickens under the conditions of this study.