Physiological and behavioral effects of coniferyl benzoate on avian reproduction

Various plant secondary metabolites related to cinnamic acid are of interest because of their repellency to birds and their occurrence in ecologically important food items. Coniferyl benzoate (CB), a phenylpropanoid ester that occurs in quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) is of particular ecological...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of chemical ecology 1994-10, Vol.19 (10)
Main Authors: Jakubas, W.J, Wentworth, B.C, Karasov, W.H
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
ACIDE BENZOIQUE
ACIDO BENZOICO
CAILLE
CODORNIZ
COMPOSICION QUIMICA
COMPOSITION CHIMIQUE
ESTROGENOS
INHIBIDORES DEL APETITO
METABOLITE
METABOLITOS
OESTROGENE
PERFORMANCE DE REPRODUCTION
PHAGOREPULSIF
POPULUS TREMULOIDES
PRODUCCION DE HUEVOS
PRODUCTION D'OEUFS
PROLACTINA
PROLACTINE
REPRODUCTIVIDAD
TETRAS
UROGALLO
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Summary:Various plant secondary metabolites related to cinnamic acid are of interest because of their repellency to birds and their occurrence in ecologically important food items. Coniferyl benzoate (CB), a phenylpropanoid ester that occurs in quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) is of particular ecological interest because of its effect on ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus) feeding behavior and its possible influence on the population dynamics of this bird. During detoxification processes, CB and other analogous compounds are metabolized into by-products, such as ferulic acid (FA), that can cause anti-reproductive effects. We tested whether consumption of CB produces antireproductive effects similar to FA using male and female Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix) as avian models for ruffed grouse. The parameters we investigated included: the production, morphology, and development of eggs; reproductive characteristics influenced by estrogen; serum prolactin levels; and male reproductive behavior. Dietary CB did not produce antireproductive effects similar to FA at intake levels that Japanese quail and ruffed grouse would freely consume. Consumption of CB by Japanese quail significantly reduced egg production and body mass but did not affect male reproductive performance. Coniferyl benzoate's effect on egg production may be explained by lower energy acquisition and retention rather than endocrine changes per se. Contrary to previous reports, it is unlikely that FA, or similar compounds act directly as estrogen mimics or antagonists. Although, CB did reduce egg production in quail, it is unlikely that it would affect egg production in wild ruffed grouse. Detoxification costs and the effects of CB on nutrient utilization may explain why ruffed grouse avoid high dietary levels of CB
ISSN:0098-0331
1573-1561