Trace Metal and Persistent Organochlorine Levels in Wood Bison (Bison bison athabascae) from the Mackenzie Bison Sanctuary |
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| Authors: | J. D. Macneil J. R. Patterson A. C. Fesser C. D. Salisbury S. V. Tessaro C. Gates |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Animal Pathology Laboratory , Agriculture Canada , 116 Veterinary Road, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada , S7N 2R3;2. Department of Renewable Resources , Government of the Northwest Territories , Fort Smith, North west Territories, Canada , XOE OPO |
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| Abstract: | Abstract Tissue samples were collected from ten healthy mature female wood bison (B. bison athabascae) for examination. Livers and kidneys were tested for toxic heavy metals and trace metals considered as essential nutrients for successful reproduction, while fat samples were analyzed for persistent chlorinated hydrocarbons. No elevated levels of toxic heavy metals (arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury) were found and essential trace elements (copper, manganese, selenium, zinc) were within the acceptable ranges established for healthy cattle. All fat samples tested contained trace levels of α-BHC (mean value, 23 ppb) and lindane (mean value, 3 ppb). |
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| Keywords: | Trace metals pesticides BHC bison organochlorine residues |
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