Toxic effects of natural saline waters on mallard ducklings.
Water from 10 saline wetlands in Saskatchewan was provided as drinking water for 1-day-old mallards (Anas platyrhynchos). Ducklings given water with conductivity from 3,750 to 7,490 microns hos/cm grew as well as birds on fresh water during a 14-day trial, but birds given water with conductivity of 4,000 microns hos/cm grew poorly during the last 2 wk of a 28-day trial. Ducklings given water with conductivity of 7,720 micron hos/cm grew poorly during a 14-day trial. Six of 10 ducklings given water with conductivity of 20,000 microns hos/cm died, and only two of nine ducklings given water with conductivity of 21,500 microns hos/cm survived 14 days. Survivors were much smaller than controls and had many abnormalities. All ducklings given water with conductivity of 35,000 and 67,000 microns hos/cm died within 60 and 30 hr, respectively. The results indicate that ducklings hatched on many saline wetlands will suffer toxic effects unless they are able to find a source of fresh water shortly after hatching.
Mitcham
S A
SA
Department of Veterinary Pathology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada.
Wobeser
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D000818:Animals; D001798:Blood Proteins / Q000032:analysis; D001835:Body Weight; D004372:Ducks / Q000097:blood / Q000254:growth & development*; D004573:Electrolytes / Q000097:blood; D005241:Feathers / Q000254:growth & development; D009994:Osmolar Concentration; D012491:Salt Gland / Q000254:growth & development; D012965:Sodium Chloride / Q000633:toxicity*; D014867:Water
D001798:Blood Proteins; D004573:Electrolytes; D014867:Water; D012965:Sodium Chloride