Effects of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid on Chicks

Abstract

The alkanolamine of 2,4-D was given orally to White Rock chicks. One part was diluted with 19 parts of water. The dose was given 3 times a wk. for 4 wks. The chicks were weighed before and after the expt. The differences between a control group and chicks given dosages of 0.28, 2.8, and 28 mg./kg. were not significant at the 5% level. The differences between controls and a group given a dosage of 280 mg./kg. were barely significant at the 5% level. Chicks all survived when given one dose of 380 mg./kg. All chicks died when given one dose of 765 mg./kg. On autopsy they showed fatty degeneration with a pale mottling of the liver, spleen, kidneys, and heart. There was hemorrhagic gastroenteritis. The results indicate that the alkanolamine of 2,4-D is not a cumulative poison since one dose of 765 mg. killed, but not a total dose of 3,360 mg. given over 4 wks.