This study investigated the teratogenicity of ethanol in several diffe
rent strains of chickens. The chick embryo provides a useful model for
studying the fetal alcohol syndrome. Two broad classifications of chi
cks, each containing many strains, are commercially available for use:
broilers and layers. Teratogenicity of ethanol in broilers and layers
was studied by examining three different parameters: embryo weight, r
atio of torso weight to head weight, and embryo viability. Broilers an
d layers experienced similar ethanol-induced reductions in embryo weig
ht. Broiler embryos experienced a preferential ethanol-induced suppres
sion of head growth. Differences in viability between different strain
s were found, but no clear pattern between broilers or layers could be
determined, possibly due to environmental conditions. The data presen
ted here suggest that the strain of chick and the handling of the eggs
are important considerations when studying the teratogenicity of etha
nol. An ethanol dose-response test should be periodically performed as
a check on environmental conditions affecting the eggs conditions tha
t are beyond the control of the researcher.