Male Pigeons Research Articles

Crystalline changes in avian bone related to the reproductive cycle. II. Percent crystallinity changes.

This is an X-ray diffraction study of the changes in the proportional amounts of the amorphous and apatitic calcium phosphate phases in pigeon femur during the egg-laying cycle. The medullary portion of pigeon femur is completely resorbed in the reproductive cycle. In this process the portion of bone which is higher in amorphous calcium phosphate is resorbed before the crystal-rich portion. Thus, bone with a higher amorphous content is more metabolically active than more crystalline bone. Finally, medullary bone which can be produced in male pigeons by estrogen treatment was found by X-ray diffraction to resemble female medullary bone at the beginning of the reproductive cycle.

Effects of androgens on body weight, feeding, and courtship behavior in the pigeon

Adult male pigeons, some intact and some castrated in adulthood, were housed in individual cages kept in an isolated room with temperature and lighting controlled. Weekly measurements were made of ad lib. food intake and body weight for 4 mo after surgery. Castration was followed by a significant depression in body weight and by initially depressed but then progressively enhanced feeding. Food deprivation elicited an increase in food intake proportional to body weight loss, but castrates consumed less food at 100%, 90%, and 80% of ad lib. feeding weight than either intact birds or castrates treated daily with testosterone propionate (TP). Castrates gained weight and ate more than controls in response to daily treatments (im) with TP (6 mg/400 g) or 5a-dihydrotestosterone (DHT, 6 mg/400 g), while androstenedione (15 mg/400 g) and androsterone (15 mg/400 g) were ineffective. Administration of 100 mg DHT (sc) to castrates produced a significant enhancement of body weight without elevating the level of food intake. The biological potency of these diverse androgens on male courtship behavior was reciprocal to that for weight-promoting potency. The results suggest that the structural requirements of the androgen molecule for promoting body weight differ from those for stimulating sexual behavior.

The relationships among testosterone, conditioned aggression, and dominance in male pigeons

Pigeons lowest in their homeloft dominance hierarchies were either injected with testosterone, conditioned to peck the more dominant birds, or both, and were then returned to their homelofts. Frequency of pecks and threats received by each animal was recorded. Testosterone alone had no effect. Conditioned birds were pecked significantly fewer times after treatment. The combination of hormone treatment and conditioning produced the greatest enhancement in dominance. Differences in the patterns of fighting behavior are noted and results are discussed in a discrimination learning framework as an interaction between androgen and learned responses.

Neurohypophysial hormones and sexual behavior in males of the domestic fowl ( Gallus domesticus L.) and the pigeon ( Columba livia Gmel.)

Injections of oxytocin (0.03 IU per kilogram body weight) and of argininevasotocin (0.4 μg per kilogram body weight) significantly increase the number of sexual activities exhibited by cocks and the time spent by male pigeons upon sexual activities during a period of 30 min immediately following the injections.

Effects of oestrogen on the differentiation of some reproductive behaviours in male pigeons ( Columba livia)

This study investigated the influence of oestrogen on behavioural differentiation in pigeons ( Columba livia). Males were treated with diethylstilboestrol just after hatching for about 4 weeks, for 10 days, or for 48 hr beginning on days 1, 3, 5 and 9 post-hatching. When tested as adults, the birds given long treatments showed feminization of bow coo, bow/bow coo, nest call, and probably gather nest material, squat, beg, and bill with beak inside partner's. The short treatment beginning day 9 and the 10-day treatment may have induced a hastened maturation of the normal male pattern of displacement preen. It is concluded that early treatment with oestrogen alters the normal development of reproductive behaviour in male pigeons.

Changes in locomotor activity following basal forebrain lesions in the pigeon

Adult male pigeons (Columba livia) were used to study the effects of basal forebrain lesions upon a measure of responsiveness to the environment, locomotor activity. Daily activity as well as food and water intake and body weight were recorded for Ss through various experimental test phases. Significant reductions occurred in activity scores of all but one experimental S following lesioning, with no changes occurring in controls during comparable test periods. Intrasession analyses of activity showed a tendency for lesion-produced activity depression to affect initial period scores most severely. Small lesions were identified in the parolfactory lobe and paleostriatum or anterior (ventral) thalamic and hypothalamic areas. A possible neuroanatomical explanation for these results was discussed.

Influence of estrogen on the histophysiology of the uropygial gland.

The role of estrogen on the uropygial gland function was investigated following estradiol therapy to both sexes of adult pigeons and ovariectomy in pre-pubertal pigeons and ducks and in post-pubertal pigeons. Administration of estradiol in intact adult male pigeons elicited a regression of the uropygial gland. Parallel treatment of estradiol in female birds provoked a stimulation of this gland. Pre-pubertal spaying in pigeons and ducks (kept for 30 days) and post-pubertal ovarian ablation in pigeons (kept for 30 and 60 days) did not bring about any perceptible change in the uropygial gland. All these findings have been confirmed by gravimetric, histologic, karyodynamic and some cytochemical studies. It has been suggested that estrogen is not normally involved in the maintenance of the uropygial gland of female pigeons and adrenal androgen and/or other adrenocortical hormones replace estrogen in regulating the preen gland of females. The differential action of estradiol upon this gland has also been briefly discussed.

Epidemiology and pathology of <i>Trichomonas gallinae</i> in the common pigeon (<i>Columba livia</i>)

Pigeons (n=300) were examined during July 2007 to June 2008 in different areas of Mymensingh district. Of the pigeons examined, 202 (67.3%) were infected by Trichomonas gallinae (Rivolta, 1878). Prevalence of Trichomonas gallinae was higher in female pigeon (70.9%) than male pigeon (63.8%). Adult pigeons aged >3 months were comparatively more affected (75%) than the squab aged <30 days (72.1%) and the younger aged between 30 days to 90 days (64.7%). T. gallinae infection was significantly (P<0.01) lower in summer (48.4%) than rainy (69.8%) and winter (69.3%) seasons. Pathological lesions were confined in the crop, proventriculus and liver. There was an accumulation of greenish fluid and/or cheesy material in the crop and proventriculus. At necropsy, yellowish to grayish necrotic lesions were evident in the crop and proventriculus. On the other hand, the liver became congested where congestion of sinusoids and focal accumulation of heterophils in the parenchyma were found. But, no microscopic lesions were seen in the crop and proventriculus although gross lesions were more prominent in these two organs. Keywords: Trichomonas gallinae; Pigeons; Epidemiology; Pathology DOI: 10.3329/jbau.v6i2.4826 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 6(2): 301-306, 2008

Effects of endbrain lesions on visual discrimination learning in pigeons.

While there has been considerable study of the avain forebrain, we still have little understanding of its role in behavior. Zeigler (1963) found that lesions restricted to hyperstriatal areas produced deficits in pattern and intensity discrimination. Because this region is itself composed of two areas, a hyperstriatum and an accessory hyperstrian~m, it was not possible to determine to which area the deficits were attributable. The present study was designed to investigate the role of these two areas in visual discrimination learning by training 12 adult male pigeons to 90% criterion for 50 trials on two consecutive days to make pattern (triangle vs circle), intensity (high vs low), and color (red vs green) discriminations in key pecking, balancing stimulus and transfer effects. Ss were then divided into four surgical groups (unilateral and bilateral lesions for each area) and retested. Ablation of either accessory hyperstriatum produced deficits in visual discrimination confirming the findings of Zeigler (1963). While unilateral lesions were not accompanied by deficits, bilateral lesions of accessory hyperstriatum produced deficits in pattern discrimination (p < .08) and bilateral lesions of hyperstriatum produced deficits in color discrimination (p < .08). These results suggest that the deficit^ produced were more a function of the extent of the lesion rather than its loczls. Ss with lesions in accessory hyperstriatum showed no differences in color or intensity discrimination, and Ss with lesions in hyperstriatum showed no differences in pattern or intensity discrimination. Examination of the learning curves for these Ss indicated that the original learning on those tasks in which no deficit was produced was better, suggesting that the magnitz~de of the deficit was, in paTt, a function of difficulty in original learning and inherent problem difficulty rather than the specific cype of problem, i.e., pattern discrimination. It was also noted that positive and negative transfer effects in the sequential presentation of problems with similar elements conuibute to retention after ablation as well as original learning. It, therefore, seems methodologically important to minimize transfer effects when studying the effects of ablation on learning.

Hormonal control of courtship behaviour in the pigeon ( Columba livia)

Castration and steroid hormone replacement were used to investigate courtship behaviour in unmated male pigeons ( Columba livia). Sexual behaviour was eliminated by castration. Displacement preening was markedly reduced but not absent in castrated birds. Exogenous testosterone in pellet form induced normal levels of sexual behaviour in castrated males. Progesterone alone was ineffective. When testosterone and progesterone were simultaneously present, control levels of sexual behaviour were not exceeded. Progesterone inhibition of androgen-induced behaviour appears to occur at the level of the central nervous system since development of the ductus deferens in response to testosterone or to progesterone in concert was equivalent. It is proposed that a progesterone-mediated reduction in sexual behaviour enhances development of parental behaviour in both sexes during the normal reproductive cycle.

The endocrine basis of breeding behaviour in the feral pigeon ( Columba livia): I. Effects of exogenous hormones on the pre-incubation behaviour of intact males

1. 1. The effects of repeated dosage with exogenous testosterone proprionate, oestradiol benzoate, progesterone, NIH.LH, NIH.FSH and prolactin on the pre-incubation behaviour of intact male Columba livia were investigated. The observation techniques and methods for quantifying the results were those used by Fabricius & Jansson (1963) and the subjects were paired with normal untreated females. 2. 2. FSH enhanced the sexual-aggressive components of the bowing display, particularly driving, while LH increased the probability that attacking would follow bowing. Androgen produced a pattern more nearly resembling the controls in that the bowing display progressed towards the sexual manifestations of mounting, courtship feeding and nest demonstration. Prolactin inhibited bowing, driving and attacking but progesterone depressed bowing while allowing attacking and driving to be expressed, Progesterone also resulted in an increased incidence of aggressive pecking and a decrease of mounting and copulation, reflected in a failure of follicle development in the females. In general, exogenous LH had little influence on the normal cycle of paired birds. 3. 3. Oestrogen suppressed the aggressive components of the pre-incubation displays, but markedly and consistently elevated the nest demonstration behaviour. All other hormone treatments inhibited nest demonstration, except that testosterone did allow it to develop normally in the second-half of the cycle. 4. 4. All hormone treatments, including oestrogen, inhibited twig collection and nest building but FSH differed from the other hormones, in that it allowed a nearly normal level of nest building, compared with controls, to develop. 5. 5. Progesterone maintained the amount of true preening and suppressed displacement preening; whereas prolactin-treated subjects did not differ from the controls in this respect. 6. 6. The responses of the females to control and treated males are documented. 7. 7. The implication of the various hormone treatments is discussed in relation to the normal behavioural-endocrine cycle of the pigeon. It is considered that the male pigeon undergoes a cycle which is successively dependent on a changing hormone basis. Initial courtship, in which aggressive components are much in evidence, depends on high FSH/androgen titres. This phase is followed by one in which oestrogen becomes dominant leading to nest demonstration. Oestrogen release from the testis tubules may be facilitated by androgen (although FSH may be needed for oestrogen synthesis). At the end of the oestrogen phase of behaviour FSH seems to become more involved leading to nest building. This phase is then followed by progesterone secretion and the onset of incubation.

Effect of cortisone on mitotic activity and cell loss in the uropygial gland of male pigeons.

Effect of cortisone on mitotic activity and cell loss in the uropygial gland of male pigeons.

Behavioral effects in pigeons exposed to mercury vapor at a concentration of 0.1 Mg-M3.

Abstract Three male Carneaux pigeons (one control, two experimental) were trained to a multiple FR-60 FI-15 schedule of reinforcement. After relative behavioral stability was obtained, the experimental animals were exposed 6 hours a day for 20 weeks to mercury vapor at a concentration level of 0.1 mg/m3. No behavioral, histological, or gross signs of mercurialism were noted.

The Effect of Reserpine on the Metabolism of Turkey Semen

SEVERAL workers have reported that reserpine produced a significant reduction in fertility when administered to pigeons, pheasants and domestic turkeys. Khazan et al. (1960) reported that a severe atrophy of the testes resulted when reserpine was fed to male pigeons. Hewitt and Reynolds (1957) found that reserpine reduced egg production, fertility and hatchability in pheasant breeders. Studies reported by Rudolph et al. (1962) and Casey et al. (1963) indicated that reserpine administered in the feed resulted in a significant reduction in the fertility of breeder turkeys.A differential effect of reserpine, with respect to sex, in mature turkeys on fertility was reported by Jones et al. (1966). They reported that the reduction in fertility was greater in the female than in the male, although a reduction was observed in both sexes.Although reports have been published on the general effects of reserpine on fertility in birds, no work has been …

Relationship between the thyrotrophic function of the hypophysis and the neurosecretion in the pigeon

Gonad function is depressed and thryoid function activated in male pigeons under conditions of intensive growth of feathers. At the same time the discharge of neurosecretion into the blood from the posterior lobe of the hypophysis becomes stimulated and the entrance of a new secretion into the area of the median eminence of the neurohypophysis is intensified.

Effects of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide on the Nesting Behaviour of Male Pigeons

PRESENT-DAY advances in psychotherapy have added impetus to investigations into the actions of drugs which affect the central nervous system and thus cause changes in behaviour patterns. One such psychomimetic agent, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD-25), exerts both peripheral and central actions1. Some of these effects in various animals and humans are nausea, vertigo, hyperhydrosis, hypersalivation, mydriasis, vasodilation or vasospasm, hypotension or hypertension, bradycardia or tachycardia, and changes in the white blood cell count2.

The Effect of Reserpine on the Reproductive Performance of Turkeys

SEVERAL workers have observed that reserpine has very little effect on the reproductive performance of chickens (Anderson and Smyth, 1959; Weiss, 1959; Carlson, 1959; Gilbreath et al., 1960). However, evidence was presented by Van Matre et al. (1957) and Parker (1960) which indicates that reserpine may alleviate decreases in egg production during stress conditions.In other avian classes it has been shown that this tranquilizer causes certain reproductive inhibitions. Reserpine administered to male pigeons by Khazan et al. (1960) caused a severe atrophy of the testes. Histological sections of the testes showed impaired spermatogenesis. Hewitt and Reynolds (1957) found that reserpine reduced egg production, fertility and hatchability in pheasant breeders.In growing turkeys aortic rupture has been successfully controlled with the use of reserpine (Couch, 1959; Carlson, 1959; Morrison, 1960; Barnett, 1960); however, the effects of the drug on the reproductive performance of this species have not been described.The …

Enzyme effects on pachytene chromosomes of the male pigeon evaluated with the electron microscope.

Enzyme effects on pachytene chromosomes of the male pigeon evaluated with the electron microscope.

The influence of the parathyroids on blood calcium levels and shell deposition in laying hens.

EFFECTS of parathyroidectomy on the deposition of shell calcium in the fowl have not been determined. Previous studies have been concerned with the function of the parathyroid glands in adult male or immature ducks (1, 2) and pigeons (3, 4). Some effort was directed toward correlating changes in bone during the egg formation cycle of laying pigeons (5) and with parathyroid histology in laying hens (6). In these preceding studies, parathyroidectomy of the laying female bird, at a time preceding or during shell deposition was not performed. METHODS Adult female chickens in their 1st and 2nd year of production were individually caged in 3-deck batteries, and given water and mash, ad libitum, except when starved; then only water was allowed. These hens were crossbreeds and leghorns.

Seasonal Variation in Testis-Stimulating Activity of Male Pheasant Pituitary Glands

THIS paper is a study of seasonal pituitary-gonad relationships in game farm Ring-necked Pheasants (Phasianus colchicus). Investigations of the seasonal breeding physiology of birds have customarily been approached through study of gonadial activity. The data obtained in this way are abundant, but there is little information on the seasonal variation in gonadotrophic activity of the pituitary gland, measured by direct means. In this paper we shall present data from the bio-assay of gonadotrophin in dried pheasant pituitary gland collected monthly throughout the year. Burger (1949) emphasized the need for further direct work on the pituitary gland as the master control of breeding activity. How closely the quantity of gonad-stimulating hormone produced by the pituitary gland follows the seasonal changes in gonadial activity has not been shown. Seasonal changes in the gonads may be due to parallel changes in pituitary pro;luction of gonadotrophic hormone or may reflect changes in the sensitivity of the gonads themselves to this hormone. No data on the level of gonadotrophic hormone in the pituitary gland or the blood stream at various seasons of the year are available. However, the presence of gonad-stimulating substances in the pituitary gland has been demonstrated in most domestic birds, and Benoit (1935) demonstrated that the amount of these substances increased in the pituitaries of ducks which were subjected to increased day-length. Phillips (1942) found no gonad-stimulating activity in the pituitary gland of the Ring-necked Pheasant but did not state at what season the material was obtained. A higher level of pituitary gonadotrophin has been demonstrated in older and reproductively more active male chickens and pigeons than in younger, inactive individuals (Breneman, 1944; Kato, 1938; Schooley, 1937; Smith and Engle, 1927). In domestic hens, on the other hand, more pituitary gonadotrophin was shown in non-laying than in laying birds (Phillips, op. cit.; Riley and Fraps, 1942). The answers to some of these problems can be surmised from what is known, but direct evidence is fragmentary. This study was supported by a grant-in-aid from the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, and the birds and facilities of the Experimental Game and Fur Farm at Poynette, Wisconsin, were provided by the Wisconsin Conservation Department. Mr. Cyril