Pigeon Breeder Research Articles

Effect of Dietary Riboflavin Levels on Reproductive Performance of Pigeon Breeders, and Growth Performance and Carcass Traits of Offspring Squabs.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary riboflavin levels on the reproductive performance of pigeon breeders and the growth performance and carcass traits of offspring squabs to estimate the riboflavin requirement of pigeon breeders. The natural riboflavin content in the basic diet of corn-peas-soybean-wheat-sorghum-corn gluten is 1.20 mg/kg. Different doses of riboflavin (0, 2.5, 5, 10, and 15 mg/kg) were supplemented with the basal diet to produce five dietary treatments with total riboflavin levels of 1.20, 3.70, 6.20, 10.20, and 16.20 mg/kg. A total of 120 pairs of White King pigeons, aged 60 wks, were randomly allocated into five treatment groups, each consisting of 24 pairs. Each pair was individually raised for 8 wks. After the experiment, an assessment was conducted to evaluate the reproductive performance of the pigeon breeders, as well as the growth and carcass traits of offspring squabs at 28 days of age. The results showed that the dietary riboflavin levels had no significant effect on body weight, feed intake, egg weight, egg production, and egg fertility (p > 0.05). However, pigeons fed a diet without riboflavin had the lowest egg hatchability, egg yolk color, carcass trait, and riboflavin status, while exhibiting higher liver weight and liver index (p < 0.05). Moreover, the indices above showed increased or decreased linearly as the level of riboflavin was increased in the diet. Based on the broken-line regression model, pigeon breeders were determined to require a dietary riboflavin content of 11.4, 13.6, 13.4, 6.60, 4.28, 4.47, 4.67, 6.69, and 6.82 mg/kg to optimize hatchability, eviscerated weight, half-eviscerated weight, breast muscle weight, breast muscle percentage, liver weight, liver index, egg yolk riboflavin, and squab plasma riboflavin, respectively. In conclusion, the optimal supplemental dosage of riboflavin in the diets of pigeon breeders is 13.6 mg/kg.

A 56-year-old patient with pigeon breeder’s lung, with fibrosis and sepsis-related cardiogenic shock in the course of fungal-bacterial infection – case report

A 56-year-old patient with pigeon breeder’s lung, with fibrosis and sepsis-related cardiogenic shock in the course of fungal-bacterial infection – case report

Morphometric identification of Bursa Oynarı pigeon varieties

Aim: This study was carried out to make morphometric identification of male and female individuals of Karabaş, Yaşmaklı, Muskalı, Kalaça and Beyaz genotypes in Bursa Oynarı pigeons. Materials and Methods: For this purpose, a total of 100 pigeons, 10 females and 10 males, 12-14 months from each genotype, were examined. Results: : The Oynar breed's average live weight was determined to be 306.27±1.32 g. Average body weights for males and females, genotypes, and gender x genotypes were discovered to be similar (p&gt;0.05). Males were found to have longer heads (p&lt;0.05), but there was no statistically significant difference between males and females in terms of other body traits (p&gt;0.05). Different averages were determined in the genotypes in terms of beak length, beak depth, trunk length, body length, wing length, chest circumference, chest depth, and tail length (p&lt;0.05). In general, the averages were lower in the Yaşmaklı genotype than in other genotypes, and higher in the Beyaz and Muskalı genotypes (p&lt;0.05). The interaction between gender and genotypes was significant in beak depth (p&lt;0.001). Conclusion: As a result, it was anticipated that the characteristics detected for the first time in the Oynar breed varieties would contribute to the definition of this breed. It was also estimated that differences in the body structures of the varieties may impact their flight characteristics, and the findings on this subject will attract the attention of pigeon breeders. Considering their body structures, it was determined that the Kalaça, Muskalı, and Beyaz genotypes may have superior characteristics in terms of flight time, and the Yaşmaklı genotype may have superior characteristics in terms of flight speed.

The first confirmed cases of pigeon rotavirus A (RVA) infection in domestic pigeons (Columba livia) in Poland

Abstract Introduction Although the presence of rotaviruses in pigeon samples has been reported since the 1980s, its importance as an aetiological agent of the “classical” young pigeon disease (YPD) was not proven until 2020, when the Henle–Koch postulates were confirmed for pigeon-type rotavirus A (RVA) genotype G18P(17). Material and Methods From 2011 to 2020, archived liver samples from 117 pigeons submitted by 74 individual lofts were tested for the presence of pigeon-type RVA using a VP6-specific RT-qPCR test. For four positive racing pigeons, a more detailed necropsy and histopathological analysis was performed. Results Indicators of an acute RVA infection were found in 24 out of 117 (20.5%) samples tested, the earliest in 2014. Necropsies of the four selected RVA-positive pigeons showed changes mainly in the liver, spleen and kidneys similar to those described by other researchers. The histopathological examination revealed mainly hyperaemia and necrosis in the liver, as well as mononuclear cell infiltrates in these organs. Conclusion Pigeon-type RVA is also a cause of YPD in Poland and is a serious challenge for racing pigeon breeders and veterinarians, especially during the training and flights of young pigeons.

Notch Signaling Is Associated with Pulmonary Fibrosis in Patients with Pigeon Breeder's Lung by Regulating Oxidative Stress.

This study explored the molecular mechanism underlying the association of Notch signaling and oxidative stress with the occurrence of pulmonary fibrosis in patients with pigeon breeder's lung (PBL). Rat models of fibrotic PBL were constructed with freeze-dried protein powder, and the animals were divided into the control (intratracheal instillation of normal saline; n = 9), M (PBL model; intratracheal instillation of freeze-dried protein powder; n = 9), and M + D (PBL+ the Notch inhibitor DAPT; n = 9) groups. Immunohistochemistry was employed to observe the protein levels of pathway factors and α-SMA, and the levels of ROS, GSH-PX, SOD, and MDA were observed using ELISA. To verify the results of the animal experiment, cytological models were constructed. The M group and the M + D group had significantly increased α-SMA levels (P < 0.05). Although both groups had significantly higher key protein levels in the Notch channel, the M + D group had significantly lower levels relative to the M group (P < 0.05). Oxidative stress products were examined, and the levels of MDA and ROS were significantly increased, while those of GSH-PX and SOD were significantly decreased in the M and M + D groups as compared to the control, but the M group and the M + D group significantly differed (P < 0.05). These findings were further validated by the cytological experiment. Notch signaling is associated with pulmonary fibrosis in PBL by regulating cellular oxidative stress, and inhibiting this pathway can slow down pulmonary fibrosis progression.

Risk of myocardial infarction among pigeon breeders: A follow-up study

Pigeon breeders are exposed to high levels of fine particulate organic matter in the pigeon lofts. A total of 6,704 pigeon breeders and their 1:30 sex and age-matched referents from the general Danish population were followed from 1980 or first year of membership in the Danish Racing Pigeon Association, until first event of myocardial infarction, emigration, death, or end of study, on December 31, 2013. Information on outcomes and covariates was obtained by record linkage with national registers. Stratified Cox regression models estimated the hazard ratio of myocardial infarction, adjusted for occupation and residence at the start of follow-up. Compared with referents, pigeon breeders had an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.14 (95% CI: 1.05–1.22) for myocardial infarction. Exposure to pigeon-derived organic dust may increase the risk of myocardial infarction, but this finding needs to be corroborated.

Early-stage fertilization detection in pigeon eggs during incubation using improved lightweight model

Early detection of fertilized and unfertilized eggs in the early stage of poultry egg hatching can improve economic efficiency by saving space, reducing costs, and obtaining unfertilized egg values earlier. As such, detecting early hatching information of breeding eggs is crucial in the poultry industry. This paper proposes an improved Mov3-CapNet lightweight model combined with machine vision for accurate, fast and non-destructive discrimination of pigeon breeder egg fertilization. The model is based on the MobileNetV3, with some SE (Squeeze-and-Excitation) modules replaced by DFC (Coupled Full Connected) modules, the classification layer replaced with CapProNet (Capsule Projection Network) and part of the original channel extension layer censored. The experiments use an industrial camera to collect high-definition images of breeder eggs from day 1 to day 4, which are then preprocessed with data augmentation methods. The improved Mov3-CapNet lightweight network is trained and detected, achieving 95.54 % accuracy on day 1, 98.85 % accuracy on day 2, 99.73 % accuracy on day 3, and 100 % accuracy on day 4. The average detection time of a single sample using CPU and GPU is 30 ms and 0.7822 ms, respectively. This study has practical application significance for accurate, fast and nondestructive determination of pigeon breeder egg fertilization.

Primary laryngeal histoplasmosis: a case report

BackgroundHistoplasmosis is a fungal infection that commonly occurs in the lungs or in disseminated form. Primary laryngeal histoplasmosis is a very rare condition that can mimic laryngeal carcinoma or laryngeal tuberculosis. The purpose of this case report is to highlight the rare occurrence of primary laryngeal histoplasmosis with no involvement of other organs, especially the lungs, the diagnosis dilemma, and the antifungal protocol for this case.Case presentationWe report a case of a 47-year-old male, who is a pigeon breeder, presented with chronic hoarseness. There were no signs of pulmonary or systemic involvement. Biopsy from laryngeal mucosa was confirmed as histoplasmosis, and he was started on intravenous (IV) amphotericin B for 2 weeks and oral itraconazole for 2 months.ConclusionPrimary laryngeal histoplasmosis is considered a very rare occurrence. The laryngeal lesion may mimic conditions such as laryngeal carcinoma and laryngeal tuberculosis. Histopathology examination remains the gold standard, and antifungal treatment is the choice of therapy.

Role of the Notch signaling pathway in regulating macrophage polarization in a rat model of fibrotic pigeon breeder’s lung

Objectives: The Notch signaling pathway serves as the key regulator of the biological functions of macrophages and may affect the role of macrophages in the development of pigeon breeder’s lung (PBL). This study investigated the possible association of the Notch signaling pathway with the development of fibrotic PBL based on regulation of the polarization of macrophages. Methods: Normal Sprague‒Dawley rats and rats with pigeon exfoliation-induced fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis were selected. DAPT was used to inhibit the Notch signaling pathway in rats, and pulmonary fibrosis, the Notch signaling pathway, macrophage polarization, and dynamic changes in the Th1/Th2 ratio were observed. Results: The levels of key proteins in the Notch signaling pathway were higher in the lung tissues of rats with fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis than in those of normal controls ( p &lt; 0.05). The mRNA expression levels of the M1 marker genes tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were lower in the lung macrophages of rats with fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis than in those of normal controls. In contrast, the mRNA expression levels of the M2 marker genes Mrc2 and Arg-1 in macrophages were higher in the rats with pneumonitis than in normal controls ( p &lt; 0.05). The bronchoalveolar lavage fluid Th1/Th2 ratio was lower in the fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis group than in the control group, but this trend was reversed DAPT application ( p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: Notch pathway receptors and ligands activate the inflammatory response of macrophages and participate in the polarization of macrophages to the M1 type. Inhibition of the Notch signaling pathway plays a role in Th1/Th2 imbalance.

Extrinsic Allergic Alveolitis: A Systematic Review of HLA-DR in Pigeon Breeder’s Disease

Introduction: Pigeon Breeder’s Pneumonitis (PBP) results due to a complex pathophysiology that includes exposure to avian antigens. Susceptibility has been linked to human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II, though consensus has not been reached. The goal of this systematic review is to further elucidate the association between PBP and HLA-DR subtypes.

Molecular mechanism by which the Notch signaling pathway regulates autophagy in a rat model of pulmonary fibrosis in pigeon breeder's lung.

This study investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying the involvement of the Notch signaling pathway and autophagy in the development of pulmonary fibrosis in pigeon breeder's lung (PBL). Rats were divided into control (Ctrl), PBL model (M), M + D (Notch signaling inhibition), M + W (autophagy inhibition), and M + R (autophagy induction) groups. Lyophilized protein powder from pigeon shedding materials was used as an allergen to construct a fibrotic PBL rat model. The mechanism by which Notch signaling regulated autophagy in the pulmonary fibrosis of PBL was investigated by inhibiting the Notch pathway and interfering with autophagy. Pulmonary interstitial fibrosis was significantly greater in the M group and the M + W group than in the M + D and M + R groups. The expression of α-smooth muscle actin was significantly higher in the M, M + D, and M + W groups than in the Ctrl group (P < 0.05). The expression of the cell autophagy markers Beclin1 and LC3 was lower in the M, M + D, and M + W groups than in the Ctrl group (P < 0.05), whereas Beclin1 and LC3 expressions were higher in the M + D and M + R groups than in the M group. The levels of reactive oxygen species in serum and lung tissues were higher in the M, M + D, M + W, and M + R groups than in the Ctrl group (P < 0.05). The Notch signaling pathway is involved in the pathological process of pulmonary fibrosis in the rat model of PBL by regulating autophagy.

Современный статус балобана в России и в Казахстане

Современный статус балобана в России и в Казахстане

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.

Pulmonary Co-infection with Cryptococcus Species and Pneumocystis jirovecii in an Old Patient Without a Previous Predisposing Illness

BackgroundCryptococcosis and pneumocystosis are opportunistic infections which are more common in immunosuppressed individuals. Herein, we report a rare case of coinfection of pulmonary cryptococcosis (PC) and Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) in a patient without a previous predisposing illness.Case presentation A 76-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with complaints of cough, expectoration, shortness of breath, and fever. A chest computed tomography (CT) showed multiple nodules with diffuse ground-glass opacities (GGOs) in both lungs. The patient was diagnosed as extrinsic allergic alveolitis (Pigeon breeder’s lung). After treatment with corticosteroids, the patient improved with significant absorption of GGOs on chest CT. However, pulmonary nodules gradually enlarged and such lesions could not be explained by EAA. Based on the positivity of serum cryptococcal antigen and pathological examination of lung nodule which confirmed the presence of Cryptococcus spores, PC was diagnosed later and fluconazole was administered. However, repeated chest CT performed about 2 months after antifungal treatment showed significantly increased GGOs in both lungs. The pathological examination of new lung lesions revealed the presence of P. jirovecii. The patient was finally diagnosed having coinfection of PC and PJP and sulfamethoxazole was further prescribed. Thereafter, the patient improved again with significant absorption of GGOs as noted on chest CT.ConclusionsConcomitant PC and PJP is very rare, especially in a patient without a previous predisposing illness. Additionally, when pulmonary lesions cannot be completely explained by one kind of infectious disease, the possibility of mixed infection should be considered.

A cross sectional study on airborne inhalable microorganisms, endotoxin, and particles in pigeon coops – Risk assessment of exposure

Pigeon breeding is associated with symptoms of the airways. The aim of this study is to illuminate the bacteriological and toxicological characteristics of airborne dust in pigeon coops. Airborne dust was sampled in 31 urban pigeon coops with homing and fancy pigeons, and following the dust was characterized. In total 141 different bacterial species were identified using MALDI-TOF MS, and of these 11 species are classified in risk group 2. Of the cultivable bacteria, Staphylococcus equorum was present in the highest concentration. Microorganisms in the dust were able to form biofilm, and the amount correlated positively with the number of bacteria. Next generation sequencing showed 180 genera with Acinetobacter in highest reads. On average 999 ± 225 ZOTUs were observed per sample with a Shannon-Wiener biodiversity index of 6.17 ± 0.24. Of the identified species the following have previously been suggested as causative agents of extrinsic allergic alveolitis: Alcaligenes faecalis, Bacillus subtilis, Pantoea agglomerans, Sphingobacterium spiritivorum, Thermoactinomyces sp., and Streptomyces albus. Staphylococcus was present on particles with sizes between 1.1 and > 7.0 μm with a geometric mean diameter of particles on 4.7 ± 1.1 μm. Concentrations of airborne endotoxin and dust were elevated compared to references, and the geometric mean concentrations were 102 EU/m3 and 1.07 mg dust/m3, respectively. Upon exposure to the airborne dust human granulocytes produced Reactive Oxidative Species during the first 5 min, and then no further reaction was observed. The concentrations of bacteria in general, Staphylococcus spp., and endotoxin and biodiversity were associated significantly with season, temperature and/or relative humidity, but not with type or density of pigeons. The bacterial composition and biodiversity indices were not affected by type of pigeon. In conclusion, the exposure to bacteria and endotoxin in pigeon houses should not be neglected in the evaluation of causative agents of airways symptoms among pigeon breeders.

A study on social skills in relation to occupational self efficacy of Pigeonnbreeders at Tuticorin district, Tamil Nadu

Pigeon farming is one of the beneficial sectors for income generation as well as hobby. Present study was conducted to study the difference between social skills and occupational self - efficacy of literate and illiterate pigeon breeders and to study the occurrence of social skills among them. For this purpose a sample of 55 pigeon breeders where randomly selected and interview was conducted among them with the help of pre-structured questionnaire. In this present study findings reported that there was significant difference between social skills and occupational self - efficacy of illiterate and literate pigeon breeders, it was higher in literate pigeon breeders and lower in illiterate pigeon breeders and also out of 5 skills suggested by Springer, 40% were communication skill, 23.64% were problem solving skill, 14.55% were social Awareness, 12.72% were co-operation and 9.09% were responsibility skill which were occurred among the pigeon breeders.

BIRD FANCIER'S DISEASE: A CASE OF HYPERSENSITIVITY PNEUMONITIS

TOPIC: Occupational and Environmental Lung Diseases TYPE: Medical Student/Resident Case Reports INTRODUCTION: The immunologic lung disease through inhalation and sensitization of an aerosolized antigen is termed hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP). Here we describe a case of HP from exposure to avian antigen. CASE PRESENTATION: A 42 y/o F presented with progressively worsening dyspnea at rest & exertion, pleuritic chest pain, dry cough for past 2 months. She denied sick contacts or recent travel. On exam BP: 122/76mmHg, HR 107bpm, RR 30bpm, SpO2 82% on room air. Physical exam, significant for b/l crackles. Labs: WBC 16.33 k/mm3, ABG PaO2 of 45mmHg. CXR showed b/l airspace opacities & CT-thorax showed b/l diffuse GGO. ECHO showed LVEF 55% with normal global systolic function with mildly elevated PASP. Treatment was initiated with hi-flo oxygen and her SpO2 improved to 97%. QuantiFERON Gold, urine legionella, Mycoplasma IgM, and respiratory multiplex viral panel were negative. Cardiac CT revealed patent coronaries. Spirometry revealed severe restrictive ventilatory defect. Further questioning revealed that patient got parakeets a few months prior to onset of symptoms. She was then started on methylprednisolone for possible HP. Bronchoscopy with BAL and transbronchial biopsies showed no bacterial/fungal/viral growth. Cytology was unremarkable and biopsies revealed mild inflammatory changes with lymphocytes and aggregates of intralaveolar foamy macrophages. The CD4:CD8 ratio was 0.89. Patient clinically improved with steroid therapy and gradually weaned from supplemental oxygen. She was discharged on oral prednisone with close follow up where she continued to improve after removal of her parakeets DISCUSSION: HP an immune-mediated response from repeated inhalation, sensitization, & hyperresponsiveness to various organic particles which can be mammalian or avian proteins, fungi, bacterial, or chemicals. Based on duration of exposure & symptoms onset, HP can be divided into acute, subacute, or chronic. Acute HP presents as flu-like illness, subacute HP has insidious onset of symptoms, dyspnea on exertion or reduced exercise capacity. Physical exam reveals inspiratory crackles. Imaging usually demonstrates GGO, mosaic attenuation and centrilobular nodules. BAL reveals lymphocytic predominant cells with CD8 alveolitis. Histopathology usually demonstrates cellular bronchiolitis with predominant lymphocytic or plasmocytic infiltrates. It can also present as interstitial mononuclear infiltrates or loosely-formed granulomas. Treatment for HP is avoidance of antigen exposure. Role of steroids in treating HP is not well known, however general practice is slow tapering steroid regimen for about 3-6 months duration. Prognosis is usually good with complete recovery in most patients; a few may progress to chronic fibrosing HP. CONCLUSIONS: A high level of suspicion should be present in diagnosing HP with a thorough history and prompt management must be initiated to prevent progression of disease. REFERENCE #1: Selman M, Pardo A, King TE Jr. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis: insights in diagnosis and pathobiology. Is J Respir Crit Care Med. 2012; 186:314-24. REFERENCE #2: Costabel U, Bonella F, Guzman J. Chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Clin Chest Med. 012; 33:15163. REFERENCE #3: Camarena A, Juárez A, Mejía M, Estrada A, Carrillo G, Falfán R, Zuñiga J, Navarro C, Granados J, Selman M. Major histocompatibility complex and tumor necrosis factor-alpha polymorphisms in pigeon breeder's disease. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2001;163:1528-33. DISCLOSURES: no disclosure on file for Jagadish Akella; No relevant relationships by Alex Diaz, source=Web Response no disclosure on file for Iqbal Javed; No relevant relationships by Raghavendra Sanivarapu, source=Web Response

Relevance of skin-prick test and immunoglobulin E estimation in pigeon-exposure asthma patients

Background Pigeon exposure is common in India due to its cultural and religious practice. Hypersensitivity to pigeon allergen is well known as pigeon breeder disease. Limited data also show that pigeon allergen was associated with increased asthma. The aim of this study is to evaluate skin-prick test (SPT) and immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels in pigeon-exposed asthmatics. Patients and methods It is a prospective observational study with 200 asthma patients as per Global Initiative for Asthma guidelines. As per the history of exposure to pigeons, patients were divided into two groups: exposed and nonexposed asthmatics. All patients underwent SPT against CAA with pigeon allergen and measurements of serum IgE. The result was compared between two groups. Results Out of 200 patients with mean age of 29.83±9.92 years, 108 had pigeon exposure. The SPT against CAA sensitivity was positive in 74% exposed and 63% nonexposed groups. While SPT against pigeon allergen was positive in 17 (15.7%) in exposed patients. The mean total IgE was higher in exposed asthmatics but not significant (538.75±248.5 and 510.2±220.1 IU/ml, P=0.0078). The mean specific IgE against pigeon dropping and feather was significantly higher in exposed asthmatics (0.4513±1.01 and 0.1957±0.179 KUA/l, P=0.003; 0.3644±0.329 and 0.1176±0.116 KUA/l, P=0.000). Conclusion The asthmatic patients with exposure to pigeons had higher SPT against pigeon allergen and higher total and specific IgE against pigeon antigens. This may be one of the reasons for higher asthma in urban cities.

Establishment of Rat Models of Different Pathological Types of Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis Using Pigeon Droppings

Background: The pathogenesis and pulmonary histopathological characteristics of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) are not yet fully understood. Therefore, we established animal models of HP of different stages, aiming to provide support for research on this disease. Methods: We established rat models of pigeon breeder’s lung of different pathological types by creating freeze-dried allergen powder from fresh pigeon feathers, dander, and other droppings. Freeze-dried allergen powder suspensions of pigeon droppings were used to establish 2 rat models of HP, one by aerosol inhalation and one by airway instillation, and the rats were sacrificed after different lengths of time to observe the pathological changes in their lung tissues. Results: By the 40th week after allergen inhalation, granulomas were the main changes in the model, without fibrotic changes. When using airway instillation to establish the model, at the 20th week, group 1 (low dose + twice/week) and group 2 (medium dose + twice/week) showed granuloma changes, but no fibrosis; group 3 (high dose + once/week) and group 4 (high dose + twice/week) both showed obvious pulmonary fibrotic changes, but the death rate of rats in group 4 was greater. Conclusions: Both aerosol inhalation and airway instillation of freeze-dried pigeon allergen powder can successfully establish an HP model. The airway instillation method can cause pulmonary fibrotic changes in a short time, and the pulmonary pathological changes of animal models manifest with an obvious time-dose effect.

The morphological characteristics of the Muradiye Dönek pigeon, a native Turkish genetic resource

This study was conducted to investigate the morphological characteristics of Muradiye Dönek pigeon. It is a local animal genetic resource and cultural heritage and has an important place among the genotypes of domestic pigeons in Turkey. The animal material of this study consisted of 100 pigeons (50 females and 50 males) from seven pigeon enterprises. In the study, morphological characteristics were evaluated and morphometric measurements were determined. Body plumage colors of pigeons were determined as black (70%), red (16%) and blue (14%) galaca. In some birds, the yellow beaks and nails may bear black spots, which pigeon breeders refer to as ‘zikir’. The term ‘biyik’ (mustache) is used when black feathers appear among the white feathers on the head, and the term ‘kemer’ (belt) is used when black feathers appear in the tail. The differences between the mean values of body weight and wingspan (P&amp;lt;0.001), chest depth (P&amp;lt;0.05) values were statically significant for age groups, which were reported to affect flight characteristics in birds. As a result, when the morphological characteristics obtained in Muradiye Dönek pigeons are compared with other researchers, it is thought that the selection of these birds were carried out by the breeders in terms of the game behavior such as rotation movement during the diving and landing. Although the data obtained in the study support the hypothesis that Muradiye Dönek pigeons should be defined as a different breed, further studies with DNA analysis are required to confirm this situation.