The Effects of Furazolidone and Vitamin E on Turkey Reproduction ,

FURAZOLIDONE, N (5 nitro-2-fur-furylidene) 3-amino-2-oxazolidone, a nitrofuran compound has proved valuable in the control of salmonella and histomonas infections in turkeys. The drug level recommended for prevention of these diseases is 0.011% incorporated into the feed. Using this level for turkeys from 10-12 weeks of age Moore et al. (1954) found no detrimental effects on fertility, hatchability or egg production. However, when the same level was fed to males from one day of age Redman and Smyth (1957) found approximately 13% of the birds to be sexually immature at 296 days of age. Those attaining semen production were delayed by approximately one week. Using a level of 0.02% furazolidone Cooper and Skulski (1955) reported a significant testes weight decrease in 12 week old White Leghorn cockerels. Complete sexual involution was accomplished in 20 week old White Rock males following administration of the drug at a 0.066% level for 7 weeks …