Adult Pigeons Research Articles

Anatomical, histological, and scanning electron microscopic features of the esophagus and crop in young and adult domestic pigeons (Columba livia Domestica)

BackgroundPigeons (Columba livia) are mainly raised as a source of animal protein, racing, leisure and as an experimental animal. The present study investigated the morphology of the esophagus in the young and adult domestic pigeon, Columba livia domestica.MethodsTen young and ten adult, normal, and healthy pigeons were collected from the local breeders. Samples from different parts of esophagus and crop were examined grossly, by stereomicroscopy, scanning and light microscopy.ResultsThe esophagus consisted of a long cervical part, a crop, and a short thoracic part. The crop was represented by a thin-walled outpouching with two lateral diverticula. The mucosa presented wavy fine folds in the cervical esophagus, irregular folds in the lateral diverticula giving it a corrugated appearance, and prominent longitudinal folds with several gland openings in the middle and lower parts of the crop, as well as in the thoracic esophagus. The density of gland openings was higher in adult pigeons than that in young pigeons. The mucosa of the esophagus was lined by non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium. The shape, height, and branching of the mucosal folds differed between young and adult pigeons. Mucous-secreting alveoli were detected in the middle part of the crop as well as in the thoracic esophagus, but not in the cervical esophagus or lateral diverticula of the crop.ConclusionThe variations between the young and adult pigeons suggest a functional adaptation of adult pigeons to their diet compared to young pigeons.

Medetomidine-vatinoxan-midazolam provides similar sedation depth with reduced bradycardia compared to dexmedetomidine-midazolam in pigeons (Columba livia domestica).

To determine if sedation with medetomidine-vatinoxan (Zenalpha; Dechra Veterinary Products) and midazolam (Alvogen) (ZM) would cause less cardiovascular depression and maintain similar depth and duration of sedation in pigeons (Columba livia domestica) compared to dexmedetomidine and midazolam (DM). In a blinded crossover study, 15 healthy adult domestic pigeons were sedated IM with either dexmedetomidine (0.08 mg/kg) and midazolam (2 mg/kg) or medetomidine (0.16 mg/kg), vatinoxan (3.2 mg/kg), and midazolam (2 mg/kg) from November through December 2023. Each subject was monitored for 60 minutes, then the sedation was reversed with atipamezole (0.8 mg/kg) and flumazenil (0.1 mg/kg) as needed. Sedation scores, heart rates, and respiratory rates were compared. There was no significant difference in the peak sedation score between DM and ZM groups, with both exhibiting median scores of 4 (heavy sedation). Mean heart rate was significantly higher for ZM than DM at 5, 10, 20, 30, 45, 60, and 65 minutes postinjection. Bradycardia occurred in both groups at 5 and 10 minutes postinjection and persisted for DM until reversal with atipamezole. Arrhythmias were auscultated in both groups. Bradypnea was not observed in either group, and all birds resumed normal behavior following recovery and the following day. Medetomidine-vatinoxan-midazolam provides a similar depth of sedation to DM but with less incidence of bradycardia. Further study is needed to determine the clinical applicability of this sedative in birds. Medetomidine-vatinoxan may be considered for short-term sedation and restraint in cardiovascularly stable pigeons.

Dynamic temporal neural patterns based on multichannel LFPs Identify different brain states during anesthesia in pigeons: comparison of three anesthetics.

Anesthetic-induced brain activity study is crucial in avian cognitive-, consciousness-, and sleep-related research. However, the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the generation of brain rhythms and specific connectivity of birds during anesthesia are poorly understood. Although different kinds of anesthetics can be used to induce an anesthesia state, a comparison study of these drugs focusing on the neural pattern evolution during anesthesia is lacking. Here, we recorded local field potentials(LFPs) using a multi-channel micro-electrode array inserted into the nidopallium caudolateral (NCL) of adult pigeons (Columba livia) anesthetized with chloral hydrate, pelltobarbitalum natricum or urethane. Power spectral density (PSD) and functional connectivity analyses were used to measure the dynamic temporal neural patterns in NCL during anesthesia. Neural decoding analysis was adopted to calculate the probability of the pigeon's brain state and the kind of injected anesthetic. In the NCL during anesthesia, we found elevated power activity and functional connectivity at low-frequency bands and depressed power activity and connectivity at high-frequency bands. Decoding results based on the spectral and functional connectivity features indicated that the pigeon's brain states during anesthesia and the injected anesthetics can be effectively decoded. These findings provide an important foundation for future investigations on how different anesthetics induce the generation of specific neural patterns.

INDUCED TOXIC EFFECTS OF CHLORPYRIFOS ON HEMATOLOGICAL INDICES IN PIGEONS (COLUMBA LIVIA DOMESTICA)

Agrochemicals are used extensively in agriculture sector across the world; however, they may be eco-toxicological hazards and disrupt the non-target living beings, including birds. Hence, the present study was carried out to evaluate the toxic effects of chlorpyrifos (CPF) insecticide on hematological parameters in pigeons. A total of 120 adult pigeons (Columba livia domestica) were used in the study and kept in wooden cages, and all pigeons received the same quantity of (22%) crude protein and water during trials. Pigeons were acclimatized for 15 days and divided into four equal (A, B, C and D) groups, each consisting of 30 birds. Test groups (B-D) were exposed to CPF with oral doses of “1.3 mg, 1.6 mg, and 2.1 mg/kg body weight/day” respectively for twelve successive weeks, whereas (group A) was assigned as a controlled group. At the end of the trials, blood samples from exposed and controlled group birds were obtained from brachial and collected with anticoagulant “K3-EDTA” vacutainer tubes for hematological assessments. Following the 84-day exposure period, notable statistically significant (p < 0.05) reduced levels of hemoglobin (Hb) (13.85 g/dl), (12.2 g/dl) and (10.50 g/dl) respectively, in birds of groups B, C and D and significant (p < 0.05) reduced level of total erythrocytes count (TEC) and packed cell volume (PCV%) was noted when compared with the control. There was a substantial significant (p < 0.05) increase in total leucocyte count (TLC) and total platelet count observed in comparison to the birds of the control group. The results of the present study revealed that alterations in hematological indices exhibited by chlorpyrifos insecticide. This research demonstrated how the indiscriminate use of pesticides damages health and developmental problems in bird ecosystems, and eventually, humans may be in danger for their health problems

Determination of normal radiographic indices of heart size in pigeon

Respiratory and cardiovascular diseases are the most common health problems in pigeons which usually change cardiac size. The purpose of this study was to establish a normal radiographic reference value for cardiac size in pigeon. After clinical and radiographic (lateral and ventrodorsal views) evaluations of 27 adult pigeons, the indices below were measured; the cardiac and thoracic widths, the space between 3rd and 4th ribs on the left and right sides, the synsacrum width, the coracoids width on both sides and the distance between both femoral heads and clavicles distance. The ratio between cardiac width and the mentioned indices had been calculated. The correlation of anatomical indices with cardiac width was evaluated by linear regression test. The results indicated that there was a significant positive correlation of cardiac width with thoracic width, with the distance between femoral head, with synsacrum width and with the distance between clavicles. In regression models which showed a significant association between thoracic and synsacrum width with cardiac width, sex and weight factors were not correlated with cardiac width and therefore were removed from the models. However, in regression models where there was a significant correlation between the distance of both femoral heads and the distance between clavicles with cardiac width, sex factor was correlated with dependent variable and was not omitted from regression models. The results and values thus obtained from this study can be used as a normal cardiac size of pigeon in radiology for diagnosis of the cardiomegaly in this bird.

Neuroanatomy of lumbosacral and pudendal plexus in pigeon of Bangladesh

The present study aims to reveal the neuroanatomy of the lumbosacral and pudendal plexus in pigeons of Bangladesh. Six adult male domesticated pigeons were used in this study. The body cavities of the pigeons were opened after the administration of the anesthetics. The nerve roots of the plexus were dissected separately and photographed. We found that the lumbosacral plexus consisted of the lumbar plexus and the sacral plexus. The lumbar plexus was formed by the union of the ventral branches of the first, second, and third lumbar (L1-L3) spinal nerves. The lumbar plexus was branched into cutaneous femoris nerve, coxalis cranialis nerve, femoralis nerve, saphenous nerve, and obturatorius nerve. The sacral plexus was formed by the union of the ventral branches of the fourth lumbar and first, second, third, and fourth sacro-coccygeal spinal nerves. The sacral plexus gives off a large sciatic nerve and innervated as tibial and fibular nerve into musculature of the hind limb of the pigeon. The pudendal plexus was organized from the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh sacro-coccygeal spinal nerves and were innervated into the tail region of the domesticated pigeons. This study was the first investigation of lumbosacral and pudendal plexus in domesticated pigeons and the results may serve as a basis for further investigation in other species. Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science 52 (4): 98-104

Neuroanatomy of lumbosacral and pudendal plexus in pigeon of Bangladesh

The present study aims to reveal the neuroanatomy of the lumbosacral and pudendal plexus in pigeons of Bangladesh. Six adult male domesticated pigeons were used in this study. The body cavities of the pigeons were opened after the administration of the anesthetics. The nerve roots of the plexus were dissected separately and photographed. We found that the lumbosacral plexus consisted of the lumbar plexus and the sacral plexus. The lumbar plexus was formed by the union of the ventral branches of the first, second, and third lumbar (L1-L3) spinal nerves. The lumbar plexus was branched into cutaneous femoris nerve, coxalis cranialis nerve, femoralis nerve, saphenous nerve, and obturatorius nerve. The sacral plexus was formed by the union of the ventral branches of the fourth lumbar and first, second, third, and fourth sacro-coccygeal spinal nerves. The sacral plexus gives off a large sciatic nerve and innervated as tibial and fibular nerve into musculature of the hind limb of the pigeon. The pudendal plexus was organized from the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh sacro-coccygeal spinal nerves and were innervated into the tail region of the domesticated pigeons. This study was the first investigation of lumbosacral and pudendal plexus in domesticated pigeons and the results may serve as a basis for further investigation in other species. Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science 52 (4): 98-104

Macroscopic Investigation of Muscles Affecting The Ankle (Articulatio Tarsi) And Digit Joints (Articulationes Digiti Pedis) in Quail (Coturnix Coturnix) and Pigeon (Columba Livia)

The locomotor system consists of two separate parts, the passive motion system and the active locomotor system. While the passive locomotor system consists of bones and joints, the active locomotor system consists of muscles. The strongest connection between bones, joints and muscles is seen in the feet. Feet help different functions in poultry. One of these functions is the activity of the perch. Perching is an instinctive behavior, especially in chickens. There are different views on the perch. Among these views, the mechanisms reported as TKM and ODFM support each other. In our study, the muscles acting on the ankle and digit joints of quails and perching pigeons that do not have the ability to perch were examined macroscopically. For this purpose, hind legs of 20 adult quails and 20 adult pigeons were used. Live weights were determined with a precision scale. They were euthanized by cervical dislocation. After the right and left legs of the euthanized animals were separated from the body, their left legs were fixed in 10% formaldehyde solution for dissection. Dissection was carried out simultaneously for both species. As a result of the study, it was determined that MFDL and MFHL muscle tendons, cartilage protrusions at the level of the metatarsophalangeal joint and pits in the tendon sheaths were more prominent in pigeons than in quails. If these protrusions and pits perform the perching activity by locking together like a zipper, it can be interpreted that pigeons are more suitable for perching activity than quails anatomically.

Distribution of phoretic mites and lice in Pseudolynchia canariensis living on pigeons and the relationship with seasonality, carrier sex, plumage coloration and age of definitive hosts

Among the parasites, some groups that have a limited capacity for locomotion, such as mites and lice, the transmission is challenging to win. These ectoparasites disperse through direct contact between hosts or, in some cases, through phoresy. However, these processes are not well-documented in detail because they are difficult to observe and quantify. In the present study, the patterns of distribution of skin mites and phoretic lice on hippoboscid louse fly Pseudolynchia canariensis sampled from Columba livia were evaluated. The analyzed pigeons were juveniles and adults, with three distinct plumage colors: blue checker, spread, or wild type, and were caught over 24 months. A total of 1,381 hippoboscid flies were collected on 377 hosts. The plumage color did not influence the infestation patterns of louse flies on juvenile and adult pigeons, nor did it influence the infestation patterns of skin mites and phoretic lice on the hippoboscid flies. However, the environmental temperature was directly related to higher prevalence, mean infestation intensity, and phoretic species richness on P. canariensis during the hottest seasons. Furthermore, a higher abundance of phoretic mite eggs, including embryonated eggs, was observed in females of P. canariensis in all seasons.

Prevalence Rate and Infection Degree of Helminthiasis on Pigeon (Columbia Livia Domestica) in North Surabaya

Pigeon meat is an alternative option to other poultry meat such as chikens. As pigeons are easy to keep and quickly reproduce. Improper hygene practices is a strong factor in helminthiasis transmission. This study aims to know the prevalence and degree of infection of helminthiasis in North Surabaya. 70 samples were taken from pigeon butchers in North Surabaya from September to November 2022. Dissection method was used for prevalence rate count and modified McMaster method was used to count degree of infection. The result shown that 70% of samples had positive worm infection. Types of worms found were R. cesticillus (55.7%), Ascaridia sp. (25.7%), Capillaria sp. (14.2%), Echinostoma sp. (2.8%) and Heterakis sp. (1.4%). Qualitative exam shown helminthiasis was more prevalent in adult pigeon than in squab, but analysis with Chi-square test shown no significant association between helminthiasis infection and age of the pigeons (P>0.05). Quantitative exam with McMaster method shown degree of infection of single Ascaridia infection in adult pigeons is 340 EPG while in Capillaria sp. is 287.5 EPG and 150 EPG in Heterakis. All of them are considered mild infection. Thus, proper loft and feed hygene method should be informed to prevent more transmission.

Comparative valuation of the chlorpyrifos, acetamiprid, and lambda-cyhalothrin toxicity and their hematological and histopathological consequences in pigeons.

Globally agrochemicals are widely used in the agricultural sectors, posing potential eco-toxicological risks and disrupting various lifeforms including birds. Thus, the current work was conducted to compare the acute toxic impacts of pesticides (e.g., chlorpyrifos, acetamiprid, and lambda-cyhalothrin) on the pigeon's health. In total 50 adult pigeons were purchased from a local market where these pigeons were fed on pollution-free food. Post adaptation period (15 days), the pigeons were arbitrarily separated into five distinct groups after having been identified in this manner by chance (each group containing 10 pigeons). Control group (group 1) was not treated with any pesticide while the remaining groups (groups 2, 3, and 4) were treated with 0.25-mg/kg body weight of chlorpyrifos, acetamiprid, lambda-cyhalothrin, and a mixture of all three pesticides (group 5), respectively. After 36 days of exposure, the groups that had been exposed to the pesticide showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in both the total number of platelets and the number of white blood cells (WBCs), in comparison to the control group. On the other hand, the groups that were exposed to the insecticides had significantly lower levels of red blood cells (RBCs), hemoglobin (Hb), and packed cell volume (PCV) (p < 0.05). The value of mean corpuscular volume (MCV) was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced in acetamiprid-exposed group, while a significant increase was observed in other pesticide-exposed groups. Obvious histopathological changes were observed in the tissues of control group and no such changes were reported by control group. Necrosis, pyknosis, lymphocyte infiltration, congestion of blood, dissolution of plasma membrane, and vacuolation were observed in the livers of pesticide-treated pigeons. The intestinal study showed the formation of goblet cells, villi rupturing, degeneration of serosa, necrosis, and pyknosis in treated groups. Renal alterations, dilation of renal tubules, reduction of glomerulus tissue, and edema were observed. This study manifests that the uncontrolled use of pesticides impairs ecosystems and poses a substantial health risk to wildlife and ultimately to human.

Morphometric examination of hind limb and foot bones and fibre type composition of crus region muscles in quail and pigeon.

In this study, the foot and hind limb bones of pigeons and quails were measured morphometrically. Additionally, microscopic classifications of the muscles affecting the foot and digit joints were made. For the macroscopic inspection, 40 birds were used, including 20 adult quails (10 males, 10 females) and 20 adult pigeons (10 males, 10 females). Diethyl ether was inhaled to anaesthetize the animals. The poultry animals were put under anaesthesia, and radiographic pictures of their left feet were obtained individually. DAP measurements were performed separately from the images taken with the Image J program. Then, they were euthanized by cervical dislocation under diethyl ether anaesthesia. The right legs of the euthanized animals were preserved in a 10% neutral formalin solution for histology procedures just after the legs were dissected from the trunk. Morphometric measurements of bone lengths were made in accordance with the measurement points specified by von den Driesch. After fixation for histological examination, routine tissue follow-up was performed and the tissues were embedded in paraffin. The presence of SO-type I, FG-type IIb and FOG-type IIa in 4-5μ sections taken from paraffin blocks was demonstrated using the indirect streptavidin-biotin-complex method from immunohistochemical methods. The result of our study was statistically evaluated at p < 0.05 and p < 0.001 levels. The length of the hallux, the articulation point to the TMT and the fibre arrangements in the two flexor group muscles showed that the hind limbs and feet of the pigeons had a more favourable anatomical and histological structure for the perching movement.

Preparing and Presenting a Pigeon Skeleton for Gross Anatomical Study Using Boiling Maceration Method: A Quick and Effective Method

The study’s main objective was to prepare and display the pigeon skeleton using a practical and effective approach. Two matured domestic pigeons (Columba livia), aged 8 months old were purchased from local market, Gazipur sadar, Bangladesh for this purpose. This experiment was carried out in the department of Anatomy and Histology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur, Bangladesh, in January 2021. The birds were first killed by being injected with MgSO4 directly into the hearts. After dead, they were peeled using a knife. 3% soda water solution was used to boil peeled animals for two hours. Having cooling, the bony samples were cleaned and dipped into 10% solution of bleaching water for 1 hour to avoid further growth of microorganism following washed by tap water. After drying in the sun for eight hours, the skeletal pieces were fully articulated for the skeletal frame. The whole processes were taken 2 days (33 hours). The boiling maceration method for preparation of skeleton is very effective because restrain the chance of losing small bones, requires less expenditure, time and labor. It is also visible that the bone’s original color was preserved. Extracted bones were divided into two parts, axial and appendicular skeleton. Axial skeleton comprises the bones of skull, vertebrae such as-cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacral vertebrae (fused to form synsacrum) and coccygeal vertebrae or caudal vertebrae then ribs, costal cartilages and breast bone or keel bone. In contrast, the appendicular skeleton comprises the forelimb or wing bone like scapula, coracoid, clavicle, humerus, radius-ulna and manus. On the otherhand hindlimb or pelvic limb comprises of pelvic girdle, femur, tibio-fibula and feet bone (metatarsal and digits). In adult pigeon no developed tarsal bone. Therefore, this is the most efficient way for quickly preparing and presenting skeleton for use in studies of the avian skeletal system.

Prolactin promotes crop epithelial proliferation of domestic pigeons (Columba livia) through the Hippo signaling pathway.

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether prolactin (PRL) regulates the proliferation of pigeon crop epithelium through the Hippo signaling pathway during the breeding cycle. Twenty-four pairs of adult pigeons were allotted to four groups by different breeding stages, and their crops and serum were sampled. Eighteen pairs of young pigeons were selected and divided into three groups for the injection experiments. The results showed that the serum PRL content and crop epithelial thickness of pigeons increased significantly at day 17 of incubation (I17) and day 1 of chick-rearing (R1). In males, the mRNA levels of yes-associated transcriptional regulator (YAP) and snail family transcriptional repressor 2 (SNAI2) were peaked at I17, and the gene levels of large tumor suppressor kinase 1 (LATS1), serine/threonine kinase 3 (STK3), TEA domain transcription factor 3 (TEAD3), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), MYC proto-oncogene (c-Myc) and SRY-box transcription factor 2 (SOX2) reached the maximum value at R1. In females, the gene expression of YAP, STK3, TEAD3, and SOX2 reached the greatest level at I17, the expression profile of SAV1, CTGF, and c-Myc were maximized at R1. In males, the protein levels of LATS1 and YAP were maximized at R1 and the CTGF expression was upregulated at I17. In females, LATS1, YAP, and CTGF reached a maximum value at I17, and the expression level of phosphorylated YAP was minimized at I17 in males and females. Subcutaneous injection of prolactin (injected for 6 d, 10 μg per kg body weight every day) on the left crop of pigeons can promote the proliferation of crop epithelium by increasing the CTGF level and reducing the phosphorylation level of YAP. YAP-TEAD inhibitor verteporfin (injection for 6 d, 2.5 mg per kg body weight every day) can inhibit the proliferation of crop epithelium induced by prolactin by inhibiting YAP and CTGF expression. In conclusion, PRL can participate in crop cell proliferation of pigeons by promoting the expression of YAP and CTGF in Hippo pathway.

Phylogenetic analysis of pigeon adenovirus 1 in clinical specimens of domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica) in Iran.

An internationally identified syndrome that leads to deaths between domestic and ornamental pigeons, particularly after racing is young pigeon disease syndrome (YPDS). This study was conducted to determine the status of pigeon adenoviral infection and molecularly characterize the pigeon adenovirus in Ahvaz pigeons. Sixty stool samples of healthy pigeons (young pigeons and adult pigeons) and 60 stool samples of diseased pigeons (young and adults) with symptoms of lethargy, weight loss, crop stasis, vomiting and diarrhea were examined. Samples were screened for aviadenoviruses by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay and degenerated primers set to target the aviadenovirus polymerase (pol) gene were used which was designed in this study. Screening for pigeon adenovirus 1 (PiAdV-1) was performed using a primer pair that targeted the fiber gene of PiAdV-1. Out of 120 stool samples, six samples (5.00%) were positive for aviadenovirus. The results showed that independent from pigeons' age status, 5.00 and 3.33% of sick and of healthy pigeons were positive for PiAdV-1, respectively. Genomic sequencing revealed that the viruses detected in Ahvaz pigeons belonged to the PiAdV-1 genotype. The results in pigeons revealed a 98.10 - 99.53% nucleotide similarity when compared to other strains ofPiAdV-1 (TR/SKPA20, P18-05523-6 and strain IDA4) formerly deposited in GenBank® in Türkiye, Australia and The Netherlands. As far as the authors know, this was the first record of phylogenetic analysis of PiAdV-1 in Iran.

Effects of alfaxalone on induction quality of inhalation anesthesia in domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica).

Several studies have documented the effects of anesthesia on pigeons. However, previous studies using pigeons have not examined a combination of injection and inhalation anesthesia. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of intramuscular (IM) administration of alfaxalone in conjunction with mask induction on the quality of isoflurane anesthesia in healthy domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica). In a randomized, double-blind, crossover study consisting of two phases, six healthy adult pigeons were anesthetized twice with a washout period of 7 days. In each phase, the pigeons were randomly assigned IM administration of either alfaxalone (4 mg/kg) or an equal volume of normal saline. After 20 min, anesthesia was induced with isoflurane through a face mask. Once voluntary movement of the limbs and eyelids ceased, the face mask was removed, and the trachea was intubated. The quality of anesthesia was assessed by scoring sedation prior to anesthetic induction, induction, and recovery. Heart rate, respiratory rate, cloacal temperature, and noninvasive systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressure were recorded before the IM injection (baseline) and during the procedure. The minimum anesthetic concentration of isoflurane was determined using the "bracketing" method. Moderate sedation (sedation scores of 2 and 3) was observed only with alfaxalone administration. In the alfaxalone group, the induction score was significantly higher (better induction quality) than in the control group (P=0.041). The combination of alfaxalone and mask induction was effective for inhalation anesthesia in pigeons.

Detection and molecular characterization of Trichomonas gallinae recovered from domestic pigeons in Egypt

Trichomonas gallinae is a protozoan parasite that causes canker in pigeons. Squabs (young pigeons) are frequently infected with T. gallinae and can die because of the infection, while adult pigeons can act as carriers showing no clinical signs. In the present study, 50 squabs, up to 1-month-old, were purchased from pigeon markets in different regions of the Giza governorate, Egypt. Direct wet mount preparations of the oral excretions of the squabs (mouth wash) and Giemsa staining revealed that 64% (32/50) were positive for T. gallinae. Experimental infection of ten squabs with 103 T. gallinae trophozoites/ml resulted in oral lesions on the mouth, tongue, and soft palate, with the presence of yellowish-white nodules (cheese-like) in the oral cavity on the sixth day post-infection in all squabs. A subset of five samples were cultured in modified Diamond’s media, their DNA was extracted, and a portion of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer region (ITS1/5.8S/ITS2) was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis of the five isolates revealed 64–91% homology with some reference isolates circulating in Egypt and related countries.

Lipid accumulation and oxidative stress in the crop tissues of male and female pigeons during incubation and chick-rearing periods

The current study aimed to evaluate the changes in lipid accumulation and oxidative status in pigeon crops during different breeding stages. Forty-two pairs of adult pigeons were randomly assigned to 7 groups. Lipid droplet accumulation in pigeon crops was visualized by using oil red O staining from d 17 of incubation (I17) to d 7 of chick rearing (R7). Transmission electron microscopy analysis showed swollen mitochondria with disintegration of cristae and typical characteristics of endoplasmic reticulum stress in crop tissues at R1 compared with those at I4. During the peak of pigeon milk formation, the concentrations of reactive oxygen species, and oxidative damage markers (advanced oxidation protein products, 8-hydroxy-2 deoxyguanosine, and malondialdehyde) and the enzyme activities of total superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were all elevated significantly (P < 0.05). The protein concentration of B-cell lymphoma-2 associated X in crop tissues was significantly higher at R1, while the level of B-cell lymphoma-2 protein in males was the highest at I4 (P < 0.05). The ratio of B-cell lymphoma-2 associated X protein (Bax)/B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) in both male and female crops peaked at R1 (P < 0.05). Gene expression of the key enzymes involved in mitochondrial and peroxisomal fatty acid β-oxidation was investigated in crops. In males, the gene expression of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1a peaked at R15, and that of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 2 increased significantly from R1 to R15 (P < 0.05). The mRNA abundance of long chain 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase increased to the maximum value at R1 and I17 in males and females, respectively. From I17 to R7, the mRNA levels of acyl-CoA oxidase 1 and acyl-CoA oxidase 2 were decreased in pigeon crops (P < 0.05). Conclusively, lipid droplet accumulation was found in male and female pigeon crops from the end of incubation to the early stage of chick rearing. Although antioxidant defence and mitochondrial fatty acid β-oxidation were both mobilized, oxidative stress in crop tissues still occurred during the peak of milk formation.

Dynamic changes in protein concentrations of keratins in crop milk and related gene expression in pigeon crops during different incubation and chick rearing stages

ABSTRACT 1. The objective of this study was to examine the keratin composition of crop milk, the variation of epithelial thickness and keratin (K) gene expression in samples from young pigeon during incubation and chick rearing. 2. Crop milk was collected from 1-, 3- and 5-day-old squab crops for keratin content analysis. Results showed that K4 accounted for the highest proportion of all detected keratins. 3. In total, 42 pairs of adult pigeons were allocated to seven groups according to different stages to collect crop samples. Gene expression studies showed that the K3 gene expression was maximised at rearing Day 15 (15) and R1 in males and females, respectively. K6a gene level was the greatest at R15 in females, whereas it peaked at incubation Day 4 (I4) in males. The K12, K13, K23 and K80 gene levels were inhibited at the peak period of crop milk formation in comparison with I4. In females, K cochleal expression peaked at I10, whereas it was the greatest at R25 in males. K4 and K14 gene expression was the highest at I10 in females, while K4 and K14 were minimised at I17 and R7 in males, respectively. Gene expressions of K5, K8, K19 and K20 in males and K19 in females were maximised at R1. The K5, K20 and K75 gene levels in females peaked at R7. K75 and K8 expressions in males and females reached a maximum value at R25 and I17, respectively. 4. The epithelial thickness of male and female crops reached their greatest levels at R1 and had the highest correlation with K19. 5. These results emphasised the importance of keratinisation in crop milk formation, and different keratins probably play various roles during this period. The K19 was probably a marker for pigeon crop epithelium development. The sex of the parent pigeon affected keratin gene expression profiles.

Anatomical and histological study of the kidneys in golden eagles, racing pigeon and common bulbul

The present study was carried on Thirty apparently healthy birds (ten Golden Eagles, ten Racing pigeon and ten Common Bulbul ),a tool for determining the anatomy significant variations in the kidneys' histology Histological research (5-7)µm. paraffin section stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin stain were prepared .In both birds, the kidneys were, dorso-ventrally flattened, extended from the caudal end of the lungs to the synsacrum bone's end, as well as the kidneys' dorsal half were sink deep in the synsacrum fosse and divided into three incomplete parts. In adult racing pigeon, the kidney was red to red brown in color flattened retroperitoneal fragile organs embedded in ventral surface of synsacrum bone. It has three lobes (cranial, middle and caudal), the caudal lobe was the largest and wider than the other two lobes. In golden eagles, had paired kidneys. Each kidney was flattened and extra-peritoneal organs. Also each kidney in Common Bulbul consists of three lobes were cranial, middle and caudal. The cranial lobe was longer and broader than the other two lobes, whereas the caudal lobe was similar in shape but smaller in size than the middle lobe.