Male Pigeons Research Articles

Supplementing pigeon grit with acidifier improves metabolism and the reproductive performance of breeding pigeons as well as the development of growth performance of squabs

ABSTRACT 1. This study evaluated the effectiveness of different types of acidifiers on reproductive performance, body weight loss and plasma biochemical indices of breeding pigeons as well as on growth performance, carcass characteristics, meat quality and plasma biochemical indices of squabs. 2. In a 45 d trial, 144 pairs of European white Mimas pigeons were selected and randomly divided into three experimental groups. Three groups of pigeons were fed plain pigeon grit (NC), pigeon grit supplemented with 5% single acidifier (SAG) and pigeon grit supplemented with 5% combined acidifiers (CAG). 3. Supplementing with SAG and CAG significantly increased the weight gain in male pigeons from 1-12 d of incubation. However, SAG and CAG had no significant effect on the feed intake of breeding pigeons during incubation, but significantly increased total feed intake of breeding pigeons during the lactation period. Breeder pigeons fed SAG and CAG had significantly higher egg-laying rate at 40 d. In addition, feeding SAG and CAG significantly increased growth rate and slaughter weight of squabs, but SAG reduced the diameter of pectoral muscle fibres. Biochemical indices showed that feeding SAG and CAG improved metabolism and increased the liver function of breeder pigeons and squabs. 4. In conclusion, supplementing pigeon grit with acidifiers increased feed intake of breeding pigeons during lactation, protected liver function, enhanced reproductive performance and promoted the growth and development of squabs.

Research Note: Study on the in-situ preservation of pigeons based on the level of endangerment of genetic resources

The large-scale and intensive development of the meat pigeon breeding industry have resulted in the replacement of a large number of low-performance local breeds by a few breeds with excellent production performance. However, due to the characteristics of pigeon species that are monogamous, for which the W chromosome cannot be recovered and for which semen cannot be cryopreserved, the preservation of pigeon species is still mainly based on in-situ preservation. In this study, pigeons were classified into six classes of endangerment based on the criteria of the 100-year inbreeding coefficient of poultry populations in the “Assessment of Endangered Poultry Genetic Resources” (NY/T 2996-2016). The results show that when the generation interval was 1.5 years, the number of ideal populations with the same gene frequency variance or the same heterozygosity decay rate of pigeons in class 1 to 5 was ≤149, 150–204, 205–316, 317–649 and ≥650. In random-reserved breeding, when the generation interval was 1.5 years, the number of male (female) pigeons corresponding to class 1 to 5 was ≤74, 75–102, 103–157, 158–324 and ≥325. In family-equal-reserved breeding, when the generation interval was 1.5 years, the number of male (female) pigeons corresponding to class 1 to 5 was ≤36, 37–50, 51–78, 79–162 and ≥163. When the generation interval was 1.5 years, the inbreeding increments corresponding to class 1 to 5 were ≥0.00335, 0.00244–0.00334, 0.00159–0.00243, 0.00078–0.00158 and ≤0.00077; with the same population size, the inbreeding coefficient and inbreeding increment decreased with the increase of generation interval; the population effective content, inbreeding coefficient and inbreeding increment of family-equal-reserved pigeons were lower than those of random-reserved pigeons. The results of this study have certain reference value for analyzing the status quo of local and endangered species, constructing live gene banks and breeding farms of poultry genetic resources, and rescuing endangered species.

Fast discrimination of female and male pigeon eggs using internet of things in combined with Vis-NIR spectroscopy and chemometrics

In livestock industry, the female and male pigeons have different follow-up functions. The discrimination of female and male pigeons is an intensive concern for breeding tasks. In daily cultivation, the livestock staffs cannot distinguish the pigeon sex until the child pigeon is born. This lag in judgment seriously affects the freshness of pigeon eggs and timely sales plans. To solve this problem, we construct an internet of things (IoT) framework for modeling to discriminate a batch of pigeon eggs based on the instant data detection by visible and near-infrared (Vis-NIR) spectroscopy technology. In practice, the spectral detection data is monitored by multi-locational Vis-NIR sensors and immediately delivered to the cloud unit of the IoT framework. A random weight neural network (RWNN) architecture is designed as the intelligent computing module for model training and optimization, so that the cloud unit is able to deal with the constant inflow of Vis-NIR big data. An adaptive learning strategy is also designed to tune the network linkage weights as well as relevant hyperparameters. Partial least squares discriminant analysis is embedded in the Softmax unit for model discrimination, to optimize data processing with spectral properties. Experimental results proves that the adaptive RWNN architecture is able to observe high prediction accuracy when modeling on the early 5th-, 6th-, 7th- and 8th- hatching days for the distinguishment of the female and male pigeon eggs. Thus, the IoT-based Vis-NIR technology is prospectively expected to process the online big data in support with the adaptive RWNN modeling architecture.

Türkiye's indigenous genetic resource: Muradiye Kelebek pigeon

The current study was carried out to determine the morphological characteristics of the Muradiye kelebek pigeon, which has been reared for many years by breeders in the Muradiye region. The ages of pigeons were classified into two groups: 12-24 months (age group I) and 25-36 months (age group II). The male pigeons had a significantly higher trunk length (P<0.001), head width (P<0.05), beak length (P<0.001), beak depth (P<0.05), thoracic perimeter (P<0.001), and tarsus diameter (P<0.001) compared to the female pigeons. The body weight (P<0.001), chest width (P<0.05), and thoracic perimeter (P<0.01) values of age group II were higher than those of age group I. It was determined that most of the pigeons were grayish blue-eyed (69.90%) and non-crested (76.72%). It was determined that the head structure of the Muradiye kelebek pigeon was similar to the Edremit kelebek, Muradiye donek, Bursa oynarı, Thrace roller, and Alabadem pigeon genotypes. The spotted plumage color of the Muradiye butterfly pigeon and the other three genotypes (jackal plumage in the Thrace roller, speckled plumage in the Edremit kelebek pigeon, and red/black galaca in the Muradiye donek pigeon) may be a common trait. Since these genotypes share some phenotypic characteristics, the phylogenetic relationships between the Muradiye butterfly pigeon and the other five pigeon genotypes (Edremit kelebek, Muradiye donek, Alabadem, Bursa oynarı, and Thrace roller) should be determined by molecular studies.

Characteristics of glucolipid metabolism and oxidative stress in breeding pigeons (Columba livia) during lactation.

Breeding pigeons is a fundamental source of profit in various enterprises but little is known on the metabolic laws governing their lactation. In this study, we analysed the metabolic profile of different sex of breeding pigeons (Columba livia, European pigeons, Mimas) during lactation. We found that male pigeons exhibited catabolism during lactation. Extension of lactation resulted in increased weight loss, then slow recovery of body weight. Conversely, the weight loss in female pigeons peaked on the seventh day of lactation. They then gradually recovered their body weight. Male pigeons showed more duration of combing, while female pigeons showed more duration of resting. In male pigeons, except for triglyceride (TG), which increased, blood lipid indexes barely changed during lactation. Conversely, in females, both TG and total cholesterol increased in middle and late lactation. The level of oxidative stress in female pigeons during lactation was higher than in males, lipid peroxide malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ), plasma calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) levels increased in late lactation. Levels of estradiol and progesterone in female pigeons increased during lactation, whereas those of luteotropic hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin (PRL) and testosterone gradually decreased. As per LC-MS spectra analysis, the differential metabolites in the plasma on the day of hatching and before laying in female pigeons in lactation were enriched in retrograde endocannabinoid signalling, α-linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, choline, glycerophospholipid metabolisms, and valine, leucine, and isoleucine degradations. Levels of fatty acids, amino acids, sphingomyelin and phosphatidylinositol related to the secretion of pigeon milk had reduced, whereas the levels of phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, and TG, which are all related to egg production, had increased. In conclusion, our study systematically revealed the different metabolic characteristics of male and female breeding pigeons during lactation. This is useful for precision feeding of pigeons and applicable in nutritional interventions for improved production.

Pharmacokinetic Profile of Norfloxacin in Pigeons

Through this work, the pharmacokinetics of Norfloxacin in pigeons were explored by using six healthy male pigeons as the subjects for this study. The pharmacokinetic indices of orally administered Norfloxacin were obtained by microbiological assay and then the data were fitted to the two-compartment pharmacokinetic open model to evaluate the distribution and excretion parameters. In the achieved results, the calculated absorption rate constant (Kab) was 1.26 h-1, the maximum achieved concentration of Norfloxacin was 2.75 μg/ml at 1.34 hr., the volume of distribution (Vd/F) was 3.15 L/kg. The half-life (t1/2β) was 4.9 hrs., the calculated area under the curve of Norfloxacin (AUC0-t) was 16.75 (h*μg)/ml, while the clearance of Norfloxacin (Cl/F) was 0.49 L/hr/kg. In conclusion, the pharmacokinetic parameters of Norfloxacin in pigeons are not far away from other birds like chickens, considering the differences among them. Norfloxacin is a valuable antibacterial agent against susceptible bacterial infections depending on the obtained pharmacokinetic profile. In conclusion, pharmacokinetic parameters of Norfloxacin in pigeons are not far away from other birds like chicken considering the differences in species, moreover Norfloxacin is a valuable antibacterial agent against susceptible bacterial infections depending on the obtained pharmacokinetic profile.

Metabolomics analysis of the effects of different litter size on reproductive metabolism and oxidative stress in breeding pigeon (Columba livia)

The pigeon breeding industry employs a high-rearing pattern to achieve economic benefits. However, too many squabs consume more energy of the breeding pigeons causing adverse effects on their breeding performance. To determine the optimal rearing patterns and the effects of different numbers of squabs on reproductive performance, oxidative stress, and glucolipid metabolism of lactating breeding pigeons in winter, three rearing patterns consisting of “2 + 2″, “2 + 3″ and “2 + 4" (a pair of breeding pigeons feeding two, three and four squabs, respectively) were adopted using European Mimas white pigeons breed. The feed intake, bodyweight loss, feed-to-meat ratio, and squab mortality were linearly increased with the number of squabs during lactation, while the bodyweight recovery rate and squab growth performance were significantly slowed down after lactation. Similarly, the laying rate was linearly decreased on days 16, 17, and 18 of lactation, with a similar pattern on the re-laying rate on days 11, 12, and 13 after first laying. In addition, the number of non-laying pigeons in the second batch was significantly increased, implying that the number of squabs significantly affected the reproductive performance of female pigeons. The eggshell weight and thickness in the “2 + 3″ group were significantly increased. However, the number of squabs in the “2 + 3″ group had no significant effect on plasma calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) levels. Analysis of the glucolipid metabolism index and oxidative stress level of pigeons further revealed that the contents of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (T-CHO), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in the plasma of male pigeons were significantly decreased with the increase in the number of squabs, but there was no obvious oxidative stress. On the contrary, glucose (GLU), TG, malondialdehyde (MDA) in the plasma of female pigeons were significantly increased, total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) were significantly decreased, implying that the female pigeons suffered more oxidative stress and more dramatic changes in glucolipid metabolism. Metabolomics revealed that the differential metabolites in the plasma of female pigeons in “2 + 2″, “2 + 3″, and “2 + 4″ groups were significantly enriched in the fatty acid, phospholipid, sphingolipid metabolism, and the Krebs cycle pathways, especially under “2 + 4″ rearing pattern. Overall, in female pigeons, the available lipids were reduced; hence, their body turned to sugar dysplasia and protein utilization mode, increasing the oxidative stress level and decreasing their reproductive performance. Therefore, an increased number of squabs significantly affects the body condition and reproductive performance of breeding pigeons. The “2 + 3″ rearing pattern is the most suitable for winter breeding pigeon production under the current nutrition level.

Prevalence and diversity of ectoparasites in Wild Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) in Punjab region, Pakistan.

The current study was carried out to estimate the prevalence and diversity of ectoparasites in rock pigeons in different regions of Punjab, Pakistan. A total of 120 birds were captured from March 2017 to February 2019. The ectoparasites were collected by standard procedures and preserved in 70% ethanol containing one drop of glycerin. Data related to age, health status, sex, type of area, sampling location and season were collected using a standardized form. Ectoparasites were identified based on morphological characteristics by using identification keys. Ninety-six (80%) birds were infested with ectoparasites. A total of seven families and thirteen species of different ectoparasites were observed. Mainly, seven species of lice, two species of flies, one species of tick and three species of mites were recovered from infested birds. The female pigeons were more often infested (89.02%) than male pigeons (60.52%). The prevalence was found higher during summer (100%) as compared to other seasons. The infestation rate was higher in Industrial area (97.50%) as compared to other regions. The highest prevalence of ectoparasites (100%) was recorded from Sargodha district. There was significant (P < 0.05) variation among number of ectoparasites on wing, chest, tail and neck within age groups, seasons and ecological zones. The occurrence of parasites in relation to area, age, health status, sex and season were significant. The infestation rate of parasites in rock pigeon is high in different districts of Punjab. It is recommended that these wild birds infested with multiple species of ectoparasites could be the potential source of infestations in domesticated birds if they come in contact with them. The contact of domesticated birds should be prevented from wild birds to minimize the chance of cross species transmission of ectoparasites.

Comparison of two anesthetic inhalant agents (isoflurane and sevoflurane) on induction and recovery from anesthesia, physiological effects, hematocrit and biochemistry profiles in domestic pigeons (columba livia domestica)

Isoflurane and sevoflurane are among the newer inhalant anaesthetics that have shown fewer adverse effects than their older counterparts; as a result, they are used more frequently in avian practice. Determination of the differences between induction and recovery time of isoflurane and sevoflurane in pigeons (Columba Livia Domestica). In addition, the anaesthetic effects of each on their physiological parameters, hematocrit and plasma chemistry values were evaluated. A total of 20 male pigeons were allocated to two groups of 10 undergoing anaesthesia by 5% isoflurane and 6% sevoflurane in oxygen in a crossover, randomised design. Three data sets were collected pre-anesthesia, at the end of anesthesia with the cessation of medications, and 24 hours post-anesthesia. Different physiological and biochemistry parameters were evaluated. It was shorter in pigeons treated with isoflurane, and they experienced a longer RT than the other group. No significant difference was observed between isoflurane and sevoflurane regarding RT. HR decreased in both groups at the end of anesthesia, which was more significant in pigeons anesthetized with isoflurane. Although RR and T decreased at the end of anesthesia in both groups, they were lower within the group treated with sevoflurane. Both anesthetics decreased plasma biochemistry factors in most of the samples except creatinine phosphokinase and albumin, which almost returned to the initial state 24 h post-anesthesia. Throughout, however isoflurane considers the most commonly inhaled anesthetic in avian practice, sevoflurane is recommended for anesthesia in pigeons.

Pulicaria odora Protects Domestic Male Pigeons (Columba livia domestica) Exposed to a Long Photoperiod from Cypermethrin-induced Seasonal Reproductive Impairment

Pulicaria odora Protects Domestic Male Pigeons (Columba livia domestica) Exposed to a Long Photoperiod from Cypermethrin-induced Seasonal Reproductive Impairment

Utilization of Biotechnology, Neurotransmitter and Cytogenetic Indices in Selecting Pigeon Breeds

Investigations into LDH-A and DR-D4 genes polymorphism, neurotransmitter values and cytogenetic indices of 3 sexed pigeon breeds; non-racing pigeons, (wild rock), racing long distances pigeons (Jan Aarden) and racing short distances pigeons (Janssen) have been performed. The long-distances pigeon showed the highest brain neurotransmitters concentration (p<0.001) among pigeon breeds. Both LDH-A and DR-D4 genes polymorphism indicate the presence of different biodiversity values among pigeon breeds. The variations appeared on the position length 389bp for LDH-A polymorphism, and on two positions length of 418bp and 524bp for DR-D4 polymorphism of long distances male pigeon indicate the presence of unique diversity and overall differences in the amino acids structure in this breed. The protein sequence of both genes showed that in the position of 60 for LDH-A gene the amino acid K (lys) was converted to E (glu), while, in the positions of 117 and 153 for DR-D4 gene the amino acid R (arg) and L (leu) were converted to S (ser) and F (phe) only in long distances male pigeon compared to the other breeds. Moreover, there were slight differences in cytogenetic indices detected among the three pigeon breeds. It can be concluded that both DR-D4 and LDH-A genes polymorphism and neurotransmitters estimations in the brain tissue of racing pigeon would be useful indices for the differentiation and genetic characterization of pigeon breeds and provide a foundation for developing sustainable genetic improvement and conservation programs of the breeding and selecting racing pigeon breeders.

The reversible effects of gossypol toxicity on male pigeons' reproductive performance.

Gossypol, a cotton seed derivative, is well known for its reversible antifertility in male reproduction across species. Its antifertility and reversibility effects on male reproductive function vary among species in dose-and time-dependent manners. In this study, the antifertility potential of gossypol in pigeons was evaluated for the first time to determine whether it might be used as a dietary supplement for pigeon population control. Male pigeons were assigned into three experimental groups: The gossypol-treated group (n = 12), the sham control group (n = 6), and the negative control group (n = 6). There were two experimental periods: A gossypol-feeding period of 28 days and a gossypol-free period of 28 days. During the gossypol-feeding period, birds in the gossypol-treated group were fed 4 mg of gossypol extract per day. Birds in the sham control group were fed 0.5 mL of mixed ethanol and sunflower oil, while those in the negative control group were fed 0.5 mL of phosphate buffer saline. After the gossypol-feeding phase was completed, all remaining pigeons in all groups continued to receive their regular diet for an additional 28 days (gossypol-free phase). The body weight and semen quality of the birds in the experimental groups were compared to evaluate gossypol's antifertility effect. In the gossypol-treated group as compared to the control groups, the percentages of sperm motility and viability were significantly lower at 21 days, and the percentage of normal sperm morphology was significantly lower at 28 days during the gossypol-feeding period. After gossypol withdrawal, these antifertility effects were resumed and reached a comparable semen quality to the control groups within 14 days. Gossypol supplementation (4 mg/day for 28 days) could lower male pigeons' reproductive performance in terms of sperm motility, viability, and sperm morphology. Such infertility was, however, reversible within 14 days after gossypol withdrawal without any side effects on the pigeons, suggesting its application as a safe contraceptive feeding for male pigeons.

HEPATOTOXICITY INDUCED BY CHRONIC EXPOSURE TO DELTAMETHRIN, ABAMECTIN AND THEIR MIXTUREIN MALE PIGEON (Columba livia domestica)

Background and Aim: Nowadays, pesticide mixtures are largely applied in the field of agriculture, which poses serious health risks for humans and domestic animals. The present study has been carried out to investigates both the individual and the combined effects of two pesticides deltamethrin (DM) and abamectin (ABA) on hepatic function of male pigeons (Columba livia domestica).&#x0D; Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted using twenty-four (24) mature male pigeons weighing 298 ± 4.15 g. They are divided into four equal groups as follows, the control group, group DE: treated with deltamethrin (DM) (40 mg/kg), group AB: treated with abamectin (ABA) (20 mg/kg), group DE+AB: treated with mixture of the two doses of deltamethrin and abamectin (40+ 20 mg/kg) respectively. All groups were treated by oral gavage for 12 weeks.&#x0D; Results: Biochemical results show a significant increase of the hepatic transaminases, alkaline phosphatase and glucose levels, with a remarkable decrease in albumin concentration in all of the treated groups. However, the joint action of the pesticides mixture revealed an antagonist effect on all tested biochemical parameters. Thus, the histopathological profile of liver demonstrated a severe injury of all treated groups.&#x0D; Conclusion: The individual and the combined exposure of pigeons to deltamethrin and abamectin caused different functional and structural alterations of liver, with antagonist interaction between the combined doses.

Identification and Detection of Biological Information on Tiny Biological Targets Based on Subtle Differences

In order to detect different biological features and dynamic tiny targets with subtle features more accurately and efficiently and analyze the subtle differences of biological features, this paper proposes classifying and identifying the local contour edge images of biological features and different types of targets and reveals high similarities in their subtle features. Taking pigeons as objects, there is little difference in appearance between female pigeons and male pigeons. Traditional methods need to manually observe the morphology near the anus of pigeons to identify their sex or carry out chromosome examination or even molecular biological examination to achieve accurate sex identification. In this paper, a compound marker region for extracting gender features is proposed. This area has a strong correlation with the gender difference of pigeons, and its area’s proportion is low, which can reduce calculation costs. A dual-weight image fusion feature enhancement algorithm based on edge detection is proposed. After the color information and contour information of the image are extracted, a new feature enhancement image is fused according to a pair of weights, and the difference between tiny features increased so as to realize the detection and identification of pigeon sex by visual methods. The results show that the detection accuracy is 98%, and the F1 value is 0.98. Compared with the original data set without any enhancement, the accuracy increased by 32% and the F1 score increased by 0.35. Experiments show that this method can achieve accurate visual sex classifications of pigeons and provide intelligent decision data for pigeon breeding.

Anthropometrics, Hemoglobin Status and Dietary Micronutrient Intake among Tanzanian and Mozambican Pigeon Pea Farmers.

Inadequate consumption of micronutrient-dense and protein-rich foods such as vegetables, legumes and meat is an important contributing cause for anemia and deficiencies of vitamin A and iron in rural communities of Tanzania and Mozambique. A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the nutritional status (anthropometrics and hemoglobin) and diets in particular micronutrient intake of female and male pigeon pea farmers from Lindi, Tanzania, and Gurué, the Zambézia province of Mozambique. A total of 1526 farmers (669 from Tanzania, 857 from Mozambique) were studied, of whom 16% were overweight and 35% were anemic. The highest prevalence of overweight and anemia, at 35% and 48%, was observed in Tanzanian and Mozambican women, respectively. Overall, only a small proportion of women and men reached the recommended daily dietary intake of vitamin A (10%), iron (51%) and zinc (44%). Multiple regression models revealed that dark green leafy vegetables (DGLVs) highly predicted vitamin A intake, whereas legumes in Tanzania and starchy plants in Mozambique were actually the dominant sources of vitamin A. Cereals covered over half of the iron and the zinc intake in both countries. An increased consumption of micronutrient-rich DGLVs and legumes, while reducing the high amounts of refined maize or polished rice, is suggested to counteract the high prevalence of anemia and overweight among smallholder farmers in East and South Eastern Africa.

PREVALENCE OF DIGESTIVE ENDOPARASITES (HELMINTH AND PROTOZOA) IN PIGEON DOMESTIC (Columba livia) MALE AND FEMALE IN TUBAN

This research was conducted to determine the prevalence of major gastrointestinal helminthiasis and protozoal infections, the kinds of helminth and protozoa that infects and the effect of sex on pigeons in Tuban. Pigeons are taken from five The Tuban area is Widang, Montong, Jenu, Soko, Jatirogo. Each area is taken as many as 20 pigeons consists of 10 male pigeons and 10 female pigeons. Laboratory examinations were carried out in November to December 2021. Samples were examined by the native method, sedimentation, and flotation. Identification using a microscope using a 40x objective scale and 10x ocular scale. Data analysis using chi square test statistical analysis. 81% of the samples were positive for helminthiasis infection. Chi square test statistical analysis showed p value 0.022 (p&lt;0.05) which means significantly different. 71% of samples were positive for gastrointestinal protozoa infection in pigeons in Tuban. Chi square test Results Statistical analysis shows p the value of 0.123 (p&gt;0.05) which means that it is not significantly different. Type of protozoa found that Heterakis gallinarum (45%), Ascaridia columbae (42%), Capillaria sp. (41%), and Eimeria sp. (71%). That prevalence of helminthiasis in male pigeons higher (45%) compared to female pigeons (36%).

Iconic Celebration of Charms and Friendship in Poetry: Fálétí’s “Adébímpé Ọ̀jẹ́dòkun”

Iconic Celebration of Charms and Friendship in Poetry: Fálétí’s “Adébímpé Ọ̀jẹ́dòkun”

Carcass Characteristics of Domestic Pigeon (Columba livia domestica) in the Northern Region of Ghana

This study was conducted to characterise carcass traits of domestic pigeons in the northern region of Ghana. Data was collected on 30 matured domestic pigeons consisting of 15 males and 15 females from six plumage colour varieties. These birds were intensively managed and fed with broiler mash. The pigeons were slaughtered according to standard abattoir procedures and carcass parameters recorded were preslaughter weight, dressed weight, deplumed weight, breast weight, thigh weight, back weight, wing weight, drumstick weight and giblets (whole heart weight, liver and gizzard) weight. Carcass data were analyzed using the GLM of SPSS to investigate the effect of sex and plumage colour variety on carcass measurements. Pigeon lost 11.6% of live body weight after bleeding. The effect of sex was found to be a significant (p&lt;0.05) source of variation for preslaughter weight, dressed weight and heart weight. Except for back, lung and gizzard weights on which plumage colour varieties had significant effect (p &lt; 0.05), all other carcass parameters were not influenced (P &gt; 0.05) by plumage colour variety. In conclusion, male pigeons generally had significantly higher carcass characteristics (pre-slaughter weight, dressed weight and heart weight) than their female counterparts irrespective of the colour varieties in various parts of the northern region.

Pupillary behavior during wakefulness, non-REM sleep, and REM sleep in birds is opposite that of mammals

Mammalian pupils respond to light1,2 and dilate with arousal, attention, cognitive workload, and emotions,3 thus reflecting the state of the brain. Pupil size also varies during sleep, constricting during deep non-REM sleep4-7 and dilating slightly during REM sleep.4-6 Anecdotal reports suggest that, unlike mammals, birds constrict their pupils during aroused states, such as courtship and aggression,8-10 raising the possibility that pupillary behavior also differs between mammals and birds during sleep. Here, we measured pupil size in awake pigeons and used their translucent eyelid to investigate sleep-state-dependent changes in pupil size. Male pigeons constricted their pupils during courtship and other male-female interactions but not while engaging in other waking behaviors. Unlike mouse pupils, the pigeons' pupils were dilated during non-REM sleep, while over 1,000 bursts of constriction and relaxation, which we call rapid iris movements (RIMs), occurred primarily during REM sleep. Consistent with the avian iris being composed largely of striated muscles,11-15 rather than smooth muscles, as in mammals, pharmacological experiments revealed that RIMs are mediated by nicotinic cholinergic receptors in the iris muscles. Despite receiving input from a parasympathetic nucleus, but consistent with its striated nature, the avian iris sphincter muscle behaves like skeletal muscles controlled by the somatic nervous system, constricting during courtship displays, relaxing during non-REM sleep, and twitching during REM sleep. We speculate that during wakefulness, pupillary constrictions are involved in social communication, whereas RIMs occurring during REM sleep might maintain the efficacy of this motor system and/or reflect the processing of associated memories.

Crop Morpho-Histological Peculiarities in Domesticated Pigeons (Columba livia domestica), Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis) and Domesticated Ducks (Anas platyrhynchos domestica)

The crop architecture varies among different avian species consistent with their feeding habits. Therefore, twenty-one of mature healthy male pigeons (granivorous), cattle egrets (carnivorous), and ducks (omnivorous), seven per species, were utilized for the histological, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural analyses. Histologically, the mucosal folds were covered by non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium in the three investigated species. The mucosal glands are only peculiar to the crops of the cattle egrets as well as the ducks, while the pigeons' crops were devoid of any secretory units. Morphometrically, the optical densities of the Alcian blue (AB) and periodic acid Schiff (PAS) reactions in the secretory glands, the area % of collagen fibers, the thickness of the tunica musculosa were measured and declared significant differences among the three studied avian species. Immunohistochemical reaction revealed ki-67 immuno-positive reactivity in the nuclei of basal cell layers of the crop epithelium in pigeons only. Regarding ultrastructure investigation, the covering epithelium of all studied species had been shown to be the basal layer of cuboidal to tall columnar cells with desmosomal junctions at the level of their cellular interdigitation, intermediate layers of large irregular polygonal cells with obviously increased cytokeratin filaments especially in the ducks and cellular interdigitation in between. The superficial layer of flat-shaped cells in the three investigated species manifested by desmosomal junctions in between but at the level of the surface squamous cells of the superficial layer, a fine lateral process is only inspected in the pigeons. In conclusion, the crop glands characterized by supranuclear electron dense secretory granules in the cattle egrets and electron-lucent in ducks.