Meeting Abstract
Brooding birds externally exposed to crude oil can transfer oil from their feathers to the external surfaces of their eggs. Previous studies have documented that application of crude oil to the surface of bird eggs can cause embryotoxicity, yet the potential effects of sublethal crude oil application on avian embryo development is unknown. As has been demonstrated in other taxa, embryonic exposure can cause heart malformations. In this study, we used zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata) eggs to examine the potential for cardiotoxicity in avian embryos after external application of crude oil to the egg shell. First, we conducted a pilot dosing experiment to determine a sublethal application. We then conducted a second experiment to measure embryonic heart rate and metabolic rate. We found that >2.5 μl of crude caused the embryo to become non-viable. Additionally, we detected a decrease in embryonic heart rate and metabolic rates. This study suggests that sublethal oiling of bird eggs may lead to post-hatch effects on cardiac function.
