Effects of dietary nickel on survival and growth of mallard ducklings

Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) ducklings were fed nickel sulphate in their diet from day one to 90 days of age. Ducklings fed 1,200 ppm nickel began to tremor and show signs of paresis after 14 days of dosage (age) and 71% of this group died within 60 days of age. Birds fed 1,200 ppm nickel weighed significantly less (P0.05). The weight/length ratio of the humerus (an expression of bone density) from the 800 ppm diet females was significantly lower (P