EFFECTS OF LEAD, IRON, AND BISMUTH ALLOY SHOT EMBEDDED IN THE BREAST MUSCLES OF GAME-FARM MALLARDS

Effects of five lead (Pb), iron (Fe), or bismuth (Bi)/tin (Sn) alloy s hot embedded in the breast muscles of game-farm mallards (Anas platyrh ynchos) were studied from 28 March 1994 through 27 March 1995. We dete cted no differences in the mean survival times, mean hematocrits, or m ean body weights among the three shot types. Connective tissue encapsu lated Pb and Bi/Sn shot but only slight changes occurred in tissues su rrounding the shot. Recovered Pb and Bi/Sn shot were essentially uncha nged in appearance and weight. A thin zone of ''oxide'' surrounded Fe shot with a slight inflammatory response and a small amount of scarrin g adjacent to the embedded shot. Fe shot decreased slightly in weight while embedded. Bacterial infections were absent in all dosed ducks. M ean weights of kidneys, livers, and gonads did not vary by type of sho t. Kidneys and livers of Bi-dosed ducks had higher concentrations of B i than in Pb- and Fe-dosed ducks. Muscle and blood showed no differenc es in Bi concentrations among doses. We found no histological dose-rel ated effects in kidneys, liver, and gonads from the embedded shot.