Distribution of lead in selected organs and its effect on reproduction parameters of pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) after an experimental per oral administration.

Lead poisoning has been reported in almost every country on earth. In this study the effect of experimental lead pellet intake (2-6 pellets per week [groups B2, B4, B6] and ad libitum [BAD] accessibility for 10 weeks) on its distribution in liver, kidney, pectoral muscle, ovary, eggs and the effect of selected reproductive parameters (egg weight, fertilization, hatchability) was analyzed in breeding pheasants. Lead pellets were force fed to the digestive tract (struma, ingluvies) and the ingestion was controlled.