The normal blood zinc ranges are only weakly understood for a variety of species.
Additionally, in a trial following induced zinc toxicity in cockatiels, blood zinc levels were
extremely inconsistent as a diagnostic predictor (Howard 1992). Part of the confusion stems
from the fact that zinc is an essential nutrient. Normal homeostasis regulates zinc levels
based on variations in gastrointestinal content, bioavailability and individual nutritional
needs. Significant diurnal variations in zinc values have also been documented in 15 adult