TERATOGENICITY OF ETHANOL IN DIFFERENT CHICKEN STRAINS

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.