Wet and dry weight relationships of mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) tissues

Abstract

Much data in the literature on environmental contaminants in animals are presented on the basis of wet weight of tissues. Equally, considerable data are presented on a dry weight basis. Comparison of residues in tissues between wet weight and dry weight based reports cause considerable difficulties in interpretation due to the lack of dry weight percentages. Considerable problems in recovering accurate samples from dead and dying individuals under field conditions prompt questions as to the value of wet weight determinations of contaminants in such animals. The work of ADRIAN & STEVENS (1979) with duck livers indicates that difficulties in ensuring valid wet weights are very real. The present work was undertaken to provide data on wet weight vs dry weight of mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) tissues in order that comparisons of data already reported on wet and dry weight basis may be facilitated.