Plasma concentration of α-tocopherol in different free-ranging birds of prey

Abstract

In this study, we investigated the α-tocopherol plasma concentrations in healthy free-ranging nestlings of the white-tailed sea eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) (n=32), osprey (Pandion haliaetus) (n=39), northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) (n=25), common buzzard (Buteo buteo) (n=31), and honey buzzard (Pernis apivorus) (n=18) as well as of free-ranging adults of the white-tailed sea eagle (n=10), osprey (n=31), and northern goshawk (n=45). α-Tocopherol plasma concentrations were determined by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. α-Tocopherol plasma concentrations in nestlings of osprey, white-tailed sea eagle, and northern goshawk did not differ significantly amongst the species, but the common buzzard and honey buzzard nestlings had significantly lower α-tocopherol plasma concentrations than nestlings of the other species (both P<0.001). Adult male ospreys and white-tailed sea eagles had significantly higher α-tocopherol concentrations compared to adult females (both P<0.005). Adult ospreys and northern goshawks had significantly higher α-tocopherol plasma concentrations compared to their nestlings (both P< 0.001). In adult female northern goshawks, plasma concentrations of α-tocopherol increased significantly before egg laying (P<0.001). These results demonstrate α-tocopherol plasma concentrations in birds of prey to be species specific and influenced by age and reproductive status.