Effects of dietary aluminum sulphate on reproductive success and growth of Ringed Turtle-Doves (Streptopelia risoria)

Abstract

Elevated levels of aluminum have been reported in surface waters and in certain aquatic organisms including aquatic insects. Toxic effects have been demonstrated in fish and it has been suggested that aluminum affects avian reproduction. In this study Ringed Turtle-Doves were assigned to a control group fed a diet reduced in calcium and phosphorus and to a treated group fed the same diet supplemented with 0.1% aluminum. A 4-month feeding period with aluminum sulphate did not result in any effect on egg production, fertility, or hatchability. Egg permeability was decreased initially but subsequently recovered to a normal level. Dietary aluminum sulphate did not affect plasma calcium, phosphorus, or magnesium of adults nor did it affect the pattern of growth and the final weight of chicks feeding on the same diet. Bone aluminum levels of breeding females averaged twice those of the controls (P < 0.05). The pattern of accumulation between the two sexes was significantly different (P < 0.05). Growth of juvenile Ringed Turtle-Doves was not affected by dietary levels of aluminum sulphate up to 1500 ppm, although aluminum tended to accumulate in the bones of the sternum. No significant influence of aluminum on reproduction or growth, at levels similar to those likely to occur in the environment, could be found in the course of our laboratory experiment.