Nicarbazin

Chemical properties

Nicarbazin is a light yellow crystalline powder, odorless. Melting point 265-275°C (decomposition). Non-hygroscopic, insoluble in water, ethanol, chloroform and ether, slightly soluble in dimethylformamide. It decomposes slowly when it is ground with water, and decomposes faster in dilute acid.

The Uses of Nicarbazin

Nicarbazin, is a coccidiostat, which is an antiprotozoal agent that acts upon Coccidia parasites.It is a contraceptive for resident Canada geese and waterfowl. It is used to study avian reproduction and is used to interfere with the formation of the vitelline (yolk) membrane in bird eggs. It has been used to study how delivery method can effect plasma levels of 4,4′-dinitrocarbanilide (DNC), which is the active anticoccidial component of Nicarbazin.

Definition

ChEBI: Nicarbazin is an organic molecular entity. It is an equimolar complex of 4,4'-Dinitrocarbanilide and 2-Hydroxy-4,6-dimethylpyrimidine. A coccidiostat for poultry.

Biochem/physiol Actions

Nicarbazin, an effective anticoccidial, is also a wide-spectrum anti-parasitic drug. It affects avian reproduction by reducing egg production, egg weight, and egg hatchability. The mechanism of action of Nicarbazin is unknown.

Mode of action

Nicarbazin interferes with the formation of the vitelline membrane, separating the egg yolk and egg white. The exact mode of action is unknown, although it is thought nicarbazin interferes with cholesterol metabolism in the formation of the membrane. Eggs from treated birds are described as mottled in appearance, reflecting a porous vitelline membrane. The effect on hatchability is a function of time and dose and the effect is reversible.