Contenido De Metales Pesados (Cr, Cu, Zn, Pb Y Cd) en Sangre Y Plumas De La Codorniz (Coturnix Coturnix Japonica) Y Su Relación Con El Peso Y El Sexo De Las Aves

Abstract

This study was to determine the contents of heavy metals (HM): chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd) on blood and feathers of Japanese Quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica Temminck & Schlegel 1849) in relation to weight and sex. Fifteen individuals (4 males and 11 females) were weighed; a blood sample of approximately 5 mL was drawn and immediately coagulated. Wing and tail feathers were removed. Samples were analysed by using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer matched to an acetylene-flow and deuterium background correction. In blood and feathers tissue samples, Pb and Cd were not detected. Cr, Cu, Zn levels showed statistical differences between tissues and HM. The feathers showed higher concentrations than blood, because they can bioaccumulate HM during their growth, although eliminating metals, partially, during the feather moult, and, internally, during transport of metals in the bloodstream and their fixation to keratin. Zn levels were highest in both tissues. Zn is an essential element and abundant in the organisms and domestic avian diet. Weight versus HM levels showed a negative relation in quails because HM are diluted in larger individuals. Males generally showed higher HM levels than females which may reflect differences in methallotionein synthesis and excretion pathways between sexes. In general, HM concentrations measured in the quails are not alarming.

Assessment of Toxic Metals (Al, Cd, Pb) and Trace Elements (B, Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Li, Zn, Ni, Sr, V) in the Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) from the Canary Islands (Spain)

“…Although it is an important component of the enzymes responsible for protein and carbohydrate metabolism [ 37 ], this metal mainly accumulates in large quantities in feathers since it is required for their development [ 5 ]. The fact that the feathers were found to have higher concentrations of Zn (198.469 ± 520.795 mg/kg) may be because this metal is involved in their pigmentation [ 29 ]. Most animals can tolerate a moderate excess of Zn in their diet and regulate the levels in their bodies effectively.…”