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Effects of dietary nickel on mallards

Journal Article · · J. Toxicol. Environ. Health; (United States)
Thirty breeding pairs of mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) were randomly assigned to one of five treatment groups and were fed breeder mash containing 0, 12.5, 50.0, 200.0, or 800.0 ppM Ni (as the sulfate) for 90 d. Ni ingestion had no effect on egg production, hatchability, or survival of ducklings. After 90 d birds were bled, sacrificed, and necropsied. There were no significant differences in hematocrit; concentrations of hemoglobin, plasma triglyceride, and cholesterol; or plasma activities of ornithine carbamoyltranferase and alanine aminotransferase. A black tarry feces was noted in the high Ni dose group at necrospy, but no gross or histopathologic lesions were observed. Although absolute concentrations of Ni in tissues were low, there were significant accumulations in kidneys of birds fed Ni at all dietary levels and in feathers, blood, and livers of birds fed high doses of Ni compared with controls.
Research Organization:
Dept. of Interior, Laurel, MD
OSTI ID:
6161314
Journal Information:
J. Toxicol. Environ. Health; (United States), Journal Name: J. Toxicol. Environ. Health; (United States) Vol. 7:6; ISSN JTEHD
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English