Effects of dietary lead exposure on the call of Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) hatchlings

Effects of experimental dietary exposure to the heavy metal Lead (Pb) on the calls of Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) hatchlings were investigated in the present study. Trials with the heavy metal were conducted over three weeks (5 days of exposure, 3 days of non-exposure and 13 days of exposure) with two-week old hatchlings, following recommendations for exposure trials. A control trial was also included. The Pb concentrations in the prepared feed used in the exposure trials were 238, 389 and 532 μg kg-1. The daily food consumption was quantified to calculate the ingested amounts of the heavy metal. Calls of the hatchlings were recorded prior to exposure, and on days 5 and 21 of the exposure trial, and the sonograms were assessed for five endpoints –frequency of notes, duration of syllables, notes per syllable, inter-syllable duration and inter-note duration. Exposure to all three tested levels of Pb resulted in calls with shorter syllables and fewer notes. Changes were evident only at day 21. Both directional and hormetic responses were noted for the different endpoints. These findings highlight that vocalization patterns, which are relatively easily detected, could serve as an important noninvasive tool for monitoring Pb pollution in the environment.