The most reported cases for doxycycline toxicity were the accidental oral poisoning in calves but no any report in doxycycline-induced toxicity in poultry. Therefore, the current study aimed to determine the adverse effects of doxycycline on behavioral patterns and histopathology of Japanese Quail. Eighty mature female quail were allocated to four groups. Behavioral observation were carried out. Also, productive traits including, daily feed and water intake, egg production and weight gain were estimated. Then, tonic immobility test and tissue collection for histopathological studies were determined. The results revealed increased feeding and drinking behaviors in overdosed groups with lower weight gain and higher degree of fearfulness in the tenfold group. However, standing behavior decreased, while movement acitivites followed a pattern of increment in a dose dependent system. Wing and leg stretch decreased in the tenfold group than others. Histopathological studies showed hyalinized degeneration and necrotic changes in skeletal and cardiac muscle. Furthermore, hepatic lipidosis and congested brain blood vessel with widely distended Virchow Robin space by edema with mild lesions in kidney. It was concluded that doxycycline overdose affect the performance and health of Japanese Quail so it is recommended not to use in excess in poultry farms.
Key words: Doxycycline; toxicity; histopathology; behavioral patterns; quail
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