Picathartes Research Articles

First record of Grey-necked Picathartes Picathartes oreas for Central African Republic

First record of Grey-necked Picathartes Picathartes oreas for Central African Republic

Food and feeding ecology of the rock fowl Picatthartes oreas in Old Oyo National Park, Nigeria

AbstractThe rock fowl is an endangered species and its food and feeding ecology was studied in the forest zone of Old Oyo National Park, Nigeria. The methods used were direct observation, and fragmentation analysis of faecal and crop content of samples collected during both the wet and dry seasons. The results showed that rock fowl feed on a wide range of species of insects, fruits and flower buds. In the wet season, animal resources represented 54 and 62% of the adult and chick diet, respectively, whereas in the dry season, animal food resources represented about 60% of both adult and the chick diets. There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) in the food composition of the birds between the dry and wet seasons. There was also a significant (P < 0.05) difference in food preference between adults and chicks. Food sharing was not common, although it was observed between rock fowl cockerels and hens. Food search and selection indices were directly related to season and food availability. It was concluded that food scarcity may not be a serious contributory factor in the threat to the rock fowl.

A nest of Grey-necked Picarthes Picathartes oreas constructed on a tree

A nest of Grey-necked Picarthes Picathartes oreas constructed on a tree

Rockfowl: the genus Picathartes

Rockfowl: the genus Picathartes

White-necked Picathartes: how to see one

White-necked Picathartes: how to see one

Grey-necked Picathartes: how to see one

Grey-necked Picathartes: how to see one

Assessment of functional gametes in chickens after transfer of primordial germ cells

The ability of primordial germ cells (PGCs) transferred from donor to recipient embryos to form functional gametes was assessed using feather colour as a phenotypic marker. Donor primordial germ cells were obtained in blood samples taken from Dwarf White Leghorn embryos, homozygous for the dominant allele at the locus for 'dominant white' plumage (I), which had been incubated for 52 h. Blood samples containing PGCs were transferred by intravascular injection to Barred Plymouth Rock embryos (ii) incubated for 53, 72 and 96 h. Of the embryos which hatched, 28 were male and 31 were female. All chicks were raised to sexual maturity and test mated with Barred Plymouth Rock fowl. All of the 3117 offspring exhibited the typical Barred Plymouth Rock phenotype; no Barred Plymouth Rock x Dwarf White Leghorn chicks were obtained. The results of this study suggest that the frequency of transmission of the donor line genotype after PGC transfer must be improved for this technique to be useful for the routine development of transgenic poultry.

Successful hand‐rearing of the White‐necked picathartes at San Antonio Zoo

Successful hand‐rearing of the White‐necked picathartes at San Antonio Zoo

Rate of Feather Growth in Barred Plymouth Rock Chicks

The Barred Plymouth Rock fowl has long been one of the most popular breeds in America. There have been two rather distinct groups of breeders interested in this breed, namely the fanciers and the production-breeders. The former have stressed feather color and type in the selection of breeding stock, paying little or no attention to productive qualities. As a result many fancy strains which have won in the show room consistently, have not enjoyed a reputation as being good in egg production qualities. On the other hand those breeders who stressed high egg production in selecting their breeding stock have not given much attention to feather color and show type. The present day demand is more for a bird with good laying qualities that is also a good representative of the breed in color and type.The standards by which all poultry is judged in the show rooms of this .