The influence of diflubenzuron on several reproductive characteristics in male and female-layer-breed chickens.

The possibility exists for the accidental contamination of feedstuffs used in poultry and livestock feeds with diflubenzuron (Dimilin, TH 6040; N-[[(4-chlorophenyl)amino]-carbonyl]-2, 6-difluorobenzamide), an insect growth regulator. The effect of this insecticide on reproduction in chickens was tested by feeding diflubenzuron at levels of 1, 2.5, 25, and 250 ppm to male and female layer-breed chickens from 1 day of age through a laying cycle. Characteristics measured were egg production, egg weight, eggshell weight, fertility, hatchability, and effects on the progeny. Feeding diflubenzuron at levels up to 250 ppm did not affect the characteristics measured. These results will be useful in evaluating the use of diflubenzuron in the field.