Effects of diet and cold exposure on captive female mourning doves dosed with lead shot.

Abstract

The effects of diet and cold exposure on captive female mourning doves (Zenaida macroura) dosed with lead (Pb) shot were investigated from 12 December 1985 to 2 January 1986. Doves were screened for Pb exposure using a blood delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase assay. A 2×2× 2 factorial design was employed with Pb (1 #8 Pb shot {70±0.5 mg} or seed), temperature (5°C or 22°C), and diet (commercial pelleted ration or mixed seed) as the three factors of interest. Ninetysix doves were assigned randomly to 1 of the 8 treatments, confined individually, and acclimated to their respective diets 3 weeks prior to dosing.