Abstract
Ringed turtle doves ingested 0, 2, or 4 lead pellets and their blood was assayed for activity of the enzyme delta-aminolevulenic acid dehydratase (ALAD) at 24 hr and at sacrifice (14 days). At both blood sampling times, ALAD activity was reduced in the lead-treated birds concommitant with elevated blood lead concentrations. Hemoglobin concentration was not affected when assayed at sacrifice of the birds. Brain, liver, and kidney lead concentrations were significantly higher in doves that ingested lead shot. Approximately 70% of 110 mg lead pellets was eroded in the doves' gizzards in 14 days provided they were retained during that interval. Measurement of ALAD activity and blood lead offers potential for monitoring lead concentrations in wild mourning dove populations.
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Kendall, R.J., Scanlon, P.F. & Di Giulio, R.T. Toxicology of ingested lead shot in ringed turtle doves. Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 11, 259–263 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01055200
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01055200