High Prevalence of Eimeria Infection in Domestic Pigeons(Columba Livia Domestica) in Guangdong Province, Southern China

[Objective] This study aimed to make a survey of domestic pigeons for infection with Eimeria species of coccidia was conducted in Guangdong Province, southern China. [Method] A total of 244 fecal samples(102 from Huizhou, 83 from Jiangmen, 35 from Chaozhou and 24 from Guangzhou, respectively) in four pigeon breeding farms between June 2012 and March2013 were collected and examined microscopically. [Results] Eimeria oocysts were seen in 223(91.4%) fecal samples, with three species, namely E. labbeana, E.columbae and E. kapotei. E. labbeana was the most common species in Guangdong provinces with an overall prevalence of 91.4%, while a slightly lower incidence of E. columbae and E. kapotei species was detected with11.1% and 6.6%, representatively. The prevalence in different months varied ranging from 83.3% to 91.7%, with the highest prevalence in summer. Nestling groups showed obviously high infection than adult pigeons. [Conclusion] The present survey indicated the wide and severe prevalence of Eimeria infection in Guangdong domestic pigeons, which suggested that integrated measures should be taken to control and prevent coccidiosis of pigeons in this province.

Detection and characterization of Chlamydophila psittaci in asymptomatic feral pigeons(Columba livia domestica) in central Thailand

Objective:To detect and characterize Chlamydophila psittaci(C.psittaci) in asymptomatic feral pigeons in central Thailand.Methods:A total 814 swabs from the trachea and cloacae of 407non-clinical feral pigeons in central Thailand were collected and tested for the presence of C.psittaci.Results:A 10.8%of feral pigeons in the sample group were positive as determined by nested PCR primer specific to C.psittaci.The outer membrane protein A(orupA) gene of positive samples exhibited amino acid identity of C.psittaci ranging from 71 to 100%and were grouped in genotype B.Exceptionally,BF1676-56 isolate was closely related to Chlamydia avium with99%identification of the I6 S ribosomal(r) RNA gene.Conclusions:This is the first report on C.psittaci isolated from asymptomatic feral pigeons in Thailand,which provides knowledge for the disease status in pigeon populations in Thailand.

Molecular survey on zoonotic tick—borne bacteria and chlamydiae in feral pigeons(Columba livia domestica)

Objective;To determine the presence of zoonotic tick-borne bacteria in feral pigeons(Columba lixia domestica) from urban areas.Methods:Spleen samples from 84 feral pigeons,found dead with traumatic injuries in urban areas,were examined by PCR to detect DNA of Anaplasma phagocytophilum,Bartonella spp.,Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato.Coxiella burnetii.Rickettsia spp.,and Chlamydnphila spp.Results:Twenty(23.8%) pigeons were infected by tick-borne agents,in particular 2(2.38%) animals resulted positive for Bartonella spp.,5(5.95%) for Coxiella burnetii.5(5.95%) for Rickettsia spp.,13(15.47%) for Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato.All birds scored negative for anaplasma phagocytophilum.Moreover,17(20.23%) pigeons were positive for Chlamydophila spp.and among them 10(11.9%) for Chlamydophila psittaci,Mixed infections by two or three agents were detected in 8(9.52%) animals.Conclusions:Feral pigeons living in urban and periurban areas are a hazard for the human health as source of several pathogens.The obtained results confirm pigeons as reservoirs of chlamydial agents and suggest that they may be involved in the epidemiology of zoonotic tick-borne infections too.

Effects of Post-Training Blockade of GABA_BReceptor on Memory of Food Location and Expression of Synapsin I in the Hippocampus of Pigeons (<i>Columba livia</i>)

This study investigated effects of post-training treatment with phaclofen, GABAB receptor antagonist, on the memory of food location and on the expression of Synapsin I in the hippocampus of pigeons. Pigeons were trained in food location (7 sessions) and underwent post-training treatment with phaclofen (0.3 mg/kg, i.p.;PHAC), saline (SAL) or non-treated (NTR). Testing for memory persistence occurred 7 days after the last training session (PHACR, SALR and NTRR Groups). Pigeons treated with phaclofen had lower latency and higher correct choice values than saline and non-treated controls (p < 0.05). Analysis of hippocampus tissue indicated that Synapsin I-positive cell counts were higher in pigeons treated with phaclofen than in saline and non-treated controls (p < 0.05). Data indicated enhancement of consolidation and persistence of food location memory, and up-regulation of Synapsin I expression in the hippocampus of pigeons, which were related with post-training blockade of GABAB receptors.

Effects of Different Breeds,Number of Squabs and Temperature on Production Performance of Pigeons

To explore the effects of breeds,number of nurturing squabs,and temperature on nest feed conversion ratio and analyze the effects of number of nurturing squabs on parent pigeon body mass,fertility rate,and laying intervals,5 widely used breeds of pigeon were nurtured under the condition of natural laying and hatching in this research.In each breed,24 pair pigeons nurturing 1,2,3,and 4 squabs were chosen to measure the production performance,respectively.The results indicated that different numbers of nurturing squabs had a significant effect on parent pigeon body mass changes and survival rate of 28-d old squabs(P<0.05);the nest feed conversion ratio of breeds nurturing 1 squab(7.58)was extremely significantly higher than those of nurturing 2,3,and 4 squabs(P<0.01);the nest feed conversion ratio of breeds nurturing 2 squabs(4.75)was extremely significantly higher than those of nurturing 3(3.95)and 4 squabs(3.75)(P<0.01);there was no significant difference between breeds nurturing 3 and 4 squabs(P>0.05).Laying intervals of breeds nurturing 4 squabs(43.8 d)were significantly higher than those of nurturing 3(37.4 d),2(35.4 d),and 1(33.8 d)squabs(P<0.05).Nest feed conversion ratio significantly increased with the decrease of environment temperature(P<0.05).The breed showed no effect on the nest feed conversion ratio.In production,nurturing 3 squabs of parent pigeons is appropriate.In some cold areas in winter,cold protection measures should be taken.

Comparisons of the Pathogenicity between Pigeon-derived and Chickenderived Genotype Ⅵ Newcastle Disease Virus(NDV) Strains in Pigeons

[ Objective]This study aimed to compare differences in the pathogenicity between genotype VI Newcastle disease virus （NDV） strains from pigeons and chickens in pigeons. [ Method] Two-month-old pigeons were artificially inoculated with ZJ3 strain from chickens and WX-10-07-Pi strain from pigeons. After inoc- ulation, the clinical symptoms, pathological anatomical changes, tracheal and cloacal detoxification, and histological lesions of experimental pigeons were observed. [ Result] Both ZJ3 strain and WX-10-07-Pi strain could infect pigeons with the incidence rate of 100%, but the mortality rate was 0. The cloacal detoxification time of pigeons in WX-10-07-Pi infection group was longer, and the virus detection rate was higher; in addition, the virus could be detected in various tissues and organs of inoculated pigeons. [ Conclusion] Different genotypes of NDV are pathogenic to pigeons, but the pathogenicity is related to the features of NDV strains. Genotype VIb NDV from pigeons can be carried and discharged for a long term in pigeons, which can spread in pigeon groups more easily.

Stratum Griseum Periventriculare-mediated Fear Emotion Regulates Motor Behavior in Pigeons

A pigeon robot is an ideal experimental animal for research in flying animal robots.The majority of current research publications have entailed electrical stimulation of the motor nuclei to regulate movement forcibly,and although a“virtual fear”behavior model has been proposed,the structure,location,and function of the nuclei that generate fear emotions remain obscure.Previous studies have shown that the Stratum Griseum Periventriculare(SGP)of pigeons is homologous to the mammalian periaqueductal gray(PAG),which plays an essential role in mammalian fear.To reveal the role of fear mediated by the SGP in behavioral regulation,we evaluated the structure and location of the SGP by histologic identification combined with magnetic resonance imaging,and analyzed the behavior of the SGP by electrical stimulation.Finally,the function of the SGP was verified with escape testing and homing experiments in an open field.Our results showed that the SGP is located in the pigeon midbrain and divided into two subregions,the dorsal part of the stratum griseum periventriculare(SGPd)and the ventral part of the stratum griseum periventriculare(SGPv)(the ranges were AP1.5–4.75 mm,ML1.75–6.75 mm,and DV2.2–7.1 mm),and that wired and wireless electrical stimulation freezing was the dominant behavior.In the escape test,SGP electrical stimulation caused the pigeons to flee to a safe place,while in the open-field homing test,electrical stimulation of the SGP induced evasive behavior in pigeons away from their original homing route.These results confirm that the SGP plays a crucial role in fear,and that electrical stimulation of this nucleus induces corresponding fear behaviors.

Analysis of magnetic elements in otoliths of the macula lagena in homing pigeons with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Objective The macula lagena in birds is located at the apical end of the cochlea and contains many tiny otoliths. The macula lagena is innervated and has neural projections to the brainstem, but its physiological function is still unclear. It remains disputable that it is because otoliths in the lagena are rich in elements Fe and Zn that birds can obtain geomagnetic information for homing. To clarify this issue, we carried out a study to determine whether or not otoliths in the lagena of homing pigeons are richer in magnetic elements than those in the saccule and the utricle. Methods The contents of ferromagnetic elements （Fe, Co, Ni） and other metal elements in lagenal otoliths of adult homing pigeons were precisely analyzed with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry （ICP-MS） of high sensitivity, and then they were compared with those in saccular and utricular otoliths （all the contents were normalized to Ca）. Results In adult homing pigeons, the contents of ferromagnetic elements （Fe, Co, Ni） in lagenal otoliths were less than 0.7% （normalized to Ca element） and were the same order in magnitude as those in saccular and utricular otoliths. The content of Fe in lagenal otoliths was not significantly different from that in utricular otoliths and was even lower than that in saccular otoliths. The content of Co in lagenal otoliths was lower than that in saccular otoliths and higher than that in utricular otoliths. The content of Ni in lagenal otoliths was not significantly different from that in saccular otoliths and was higher than that in utricular otoliths. The contents of other metal elements Na, Mg, K, Al, Mn and Pb in lagenal otoliths were not significantly different from those in utricular and saccular otoliths. The contents of metal elements Zn, Ba and Cu in lagenal otoliths were lower than those in saccular otoliths. Conclusion The contents of magnetic elements in lagenal otoliths of homing pigeons are not much higher than those in utricular and saccular otoliths, which does not support the hypothesis that birds depend on high contents of Fe and Zn in lagenal otoliths for sensation of geomagnetic information. Similarities in morphology, element ingredient and element content between lagenal otoliths and utricular otoliths suggest that the two types of otolithic organs may play similar roles in sensing gravitational and acceleration signals.

Development of Digital Stereotaxic Instrument for Pigeons(Columba Livia)

Stereotaxic instrument is an indispensable tool for numerous types of neuroscience studies and is routinely performed in neuroscience laboratories as part of a variety of experimental procedures.Due to the development of robotics and automation,the stereotaxic instrument for rodents has made great progress,while it is relatively backward and scarce for birds.A digital stereotaxic instrument for pigeons(Columba livia),a classic animal model for learning,memory and cognition,was developed in this study.Its performance was verified from three aspects including stereotaxic accuracy,stereotaxic stability and stereotaxic reproducibility.The developed stereotaxic instrument has the following characteristics:(1)a digital positioning system was used,which is characterized by high stereotaxic accuracy;(2)a novel head-fixation system was developed to increase the adaptability of head-fixation;(3)a four-point fixation method was suggested,improving the stability of head-fixation;(4)the stereotaxic instrument has strong versatility,which can be suitable for a wide variety of birds.Moreover,the proposed stereotaxic instrument has better positioning accuracy and stability,which will promote the study of neural mechanisms for pigeons.

London's Trafalgar Square Pigeons Put on Diet

选注者言:英国伦敦的特拉法尔加广场的一道亮丽风景是那里的5000只鸽子。但是,没想到,这些鸽子引起了争论。争论的最新结论是:逐步减少这里的鸽子。游客也被禁止给鸽子大量喂食。本文有两个词值得注意:1/The battle over thepigeons of London’s Trafalgar Square looked set for a peaceful solution…,其中的Set,是什么意思?这个单词弄不懂,全句就看不懂了。2/…said a spokeswomanfor the Greater London Authority中的spokeswoman(而非spokesman)。

The role of γ-aminobutyric acid and its receptors in the nucleus of basal optic root in pigeons

The effects of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and its antagonists bicuculline and 2-hydroxysaclofen on neuronal firings in the nucleus of basal optic root (nBOR) in pigeons were studied by using extracellular recording and microiontophoretic techniques. The results suggest that GABA may be an inhibitory neurotransmitter or modulator within nBOR, functioning by means of main mediation of GABAA receptors and of minor mediation of GABAB receptors. Furthermore, GABA and its GABAA receptors are involved in the modulation of directional selectivity in part of nBOR neurons.

Postsynaptic Potentials and Morphological Features of Tectal Cells in Homing Pigeons

In this study postsynaptic potentials responding to the electrical stimulation of the optic nerve and the nucleus isthmipars parvocellularis (Ipc) were intracellularly recorded from 86 tectal cells in pigeons, 13 of which were marked with Lucifer yellow (LY). According to types of postsynaptic potentials and their succesion, the postsynaptic responses could be classified into four types: excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP)-inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP) sequence (EI type), E, I and IE types.Among them, E or EI responses were mainly produced to the optic nerve stimulation, while the electrical stimulation of the lpc elicited I responses in more than half the recorded cells.LY-marked tectal cells included five ganglionic cells, four pyramidal cells, two bipolar cells and two stellate cells.The ganglionic cells were mainly located in tectal layers Ⅲ and Ⅳ, whereas the others were in layer Ⅱ.It appears from both intracellular recordings and fluorescent markings that there is some correlation betwe n the morphological features and the postsynaptic response types of tectal cells.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid and GABA_A receptors are involved in directional selectivity of pretectal neurons in pigeons

The present study describes the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and its antagonists, bicuculline and 2-hydroxysaclofen, on visual responses of neurons in the pigeon nucleus lentiformis mesencephali (nLM). The results indicate that GABA significantly reduces both spontaneous activity and visual responsiveness, and GABAA antagonist bicuculline but not GABAB antagonist 2-hydroxysaclofen enhances visual responses of nLM cells examined. Furthermore, inhibition produced by motion in the null-direction of pretectal neurons is diminished by bicuculline but not by 2-hydroxysaclofen. It is therefore concluded that the null-direction inhibition of directional cells in the pigeon nLM is predominantly mediated by GABA and GABAA receptors. This inhibition may at least in part underlie directional asymmetry of optokinetic responses.

Parasites Pathogens and Prevalence of the Green Pigeon (Treron calvus, TEMMINCK, 1811) in the South-East of Côte d’Ivoire: Histopathological Assessment

Today, the green pigeon (Treron calvus, TEMMINCK, 1811) holds an in-creasingly important place in the dietary habits of the populations of south-east of C?te d’Ivoire, especially those of Grand-Bassam. To provide food security to these customers a study was carried out. Objective: The current study is to identify the different protozoa and fungus that could po-tentially infect the green pigeon’s gut. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out on protozoa and digestive fungus in this species of pigeon in the south-east of C?te d’Ivoire. It has been carried out from November 2020 to February 2021. A total of sixty freshly dead pigeons, including 10 males and 50 females, have been bought in Grand-Bassam. After autopsy, the gut of each animal was preserved in formalin (10%) for a subsequent histopatho-logical examination. Results: The analysis of the results revealed the fol-lowing pathogen genus: Cryptosporidium spp, Histomonas spp, Toxoplasma gondii and Trichomonas spp for protozoa. Cryptococcus neoformans for fungus. The calculation of prevalence gave the following values: 63% [20;40] for protozoa and 37% [10;40] for fungus. Conclusion: The study showed that the intestine of the green pigeon of the Grand-Bassam region is infested by a range of pathogens. Namely: Cryptosporidium spp, Histomonas spp, Toxoplasma gondii, Trichonomas spp and Cryptococcus neoformans. Cryptococcus neoformans was the most common pathogen encountered in this study. Among these pathogens, some like Cryptococcus neoformans and Toxoplasma gondii are zoonosis. Thus, the present study deserves further investigation to know more about the nature of human infection in C?te d’Ivoire. Furthermore, given the diversity of digestive pathogens including zoonosis one, a reasonable recommendation to consumers would be stop eating the intestines.

Preliminary Study on Inheritance Pattern of Feather Color in Hybrid Offspring of Texan Pigeon and American Silver King Pigeon

[Objective]This study aimed to explore the inheritance pattem of feather color in hybrid offspring of Texan pigeon and American Silver King pigeon, so as to provide a theoretical basis for the breeding of feather color auto-sexing strains. [Method]The segregation situation of feather color in the male and female offspring of Texan pigeon （♂）×American Silver King pigeon （♀）（TKYW） and American Silver King pigeon （♂） ×Texan pigeon （♀） （YWTK） was analyzed. [Result]The feather color of TKYW offspring was all slate gray. Among the offspring of YWTK, the feather color of the males was all slate gray, while the feather color of the females was all silver gray; and the ratio between different colors was 1：1 （P 〉 0.05）. The F1 generation of YWTK was subjected to selfing, and the feather color of the male and female F2 generation was analyzed. It was found that the ratio of silver gray （male） to slate gray （male） to silver gray （female） to slate gray （female） was 1：1：1：1 （P 〉 0.05）. On the basis of the above results, it could be preliminarily predicated that the feather color control genes of Texan pigeon are Z^BZB and Z^BW and those of American Silver King pigeon are Z^bZ^b and Z^bW. There is a cumulative effect on B which is dominant for b. [Conclusion] This study will better solve the problem of male and female identification of pigeon in the early period.

Prevalence of Decreased Susceptibility of Cryptococcus spp. Isolates to Fluconazole in Urban Sources of Presidente Prudente

The genus Cryptococcus is composed of encapsulated yeasts that have the ability to infect and cause disease in humans, as Cryptococcus gattii/Cryptococcus neoformans species complex. Facing the current research panel, few studies about cryptococcosis and epidemiological data have been carded out in the western region of Sao Paulo state. This study aimed to verify the occurrence of Cryptococcus spp. In public areas of the city of Presidente Prudente, using pigeon droppings and tree hollows as an environmental source. The samples were identified by conventional mycological methods. Were collected 54 samples from pigeon droppings and 62 samples from tree hollows of the genus Licania. And of these samples, 47 （87.0%） and 14 （22.5%） had positive growth of yeast from pigeon droppings and tree hollows, respectively. Cryptococcus was identified in 11 （20.4%） of the samples from pigeon droppings and 3 （21.4%） of those from tree hollows. The following species were identified： Cryptococcus neoformans （7.15%）, Cryptococcus laurentti （14.28%）, and Cryptococcus albidus （78.57%）. Decreased susceptibility to fluconazole was observed for some isolates. Fluconazole exhibited a limited in vitro activity, particularly against Cryptococcus albidus and Cryptococcus laurentii. Identification and susceptibility testing of Cryptococcus spp. should be performed on a routine basis in view of their unpredictable susceptibility profiles.

Production, Storage and Evaluation of Homemade and Processed Diet, Based on Wheat, Legumes, Sesame and Dates;for Under-Five Children

This study aimed to formulate a nutritive diet enriched with protein, iron and energy for under-five children. It was conducted in Elhosh rural area, Gezira State, Sudan, 2010. The diet was formulated and blended using locally available foods, produced at home level, by a twin-roller drum dryer and in biscuit form. The raw materials included pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) sesame (Sesamum indicum) and dates (Phoenix dactylifera). The three products were evaluated for their proximate composition, energy value, iron content and acceptability after storage at (4℃ - 6℃) and at room temperature for 5 months. The protein content of the products was (14.0 - 14.1 g/100g);the energy value ranged from 382 to 390 Kcal/100g, both in-line with many recommendations for children aged under five. The iron content was found in the range of 14.6 - 14.8 mg/100g, in agreement with the codex recommendation. Yeast, mold and salmonella were not detected while other microbes were found within acceptable values. Studied products were found nutritious and remained acceptable after storage for five months. Legumes, sesame seeds and dates can be effectively used in wheat-based baby foods as a source of protein and mineral supplement.

Femoral mechanical performance of precocial and altricial birds:a simulation study

Background:As the major load-bearing structures,bones exhibit various properties related to mechanical perfor-mance to adapt to different locomotor intensities.The habits and ontogenetic changes of locomotion in animals can,thus,be explored by assessing skeletal mechanical performance.Methods:In this study,we investigated the growing femoral mechanical performance in an ontogenetic series of Cabot’s Tragopans(Tragopan caboti)and Pigeons(Columba livia domestica).Micro-computed tomography-based finite element analysis was conducted to evaluate the stress,strain,and strain energy density(SED)of femora under axial and radial loading.Results:Femora deflected medio-laterally and dorso-ventrally under axial and radial loading,respectively.Femora deformed and tensed more severely under radial loading than axial loading.In adult individuals,Cabot’s Tragopans had lower strain and SED than pigeons.During ontogeny,the strain and SED of pigeons decreased sharply,while Cabot’s Tragopans showed moderately change.The structural properties of hatchling pigeons are more robust than those of hatchling Cabot’s Tragopans.Conclusions:Limb postures have dominant effect on skeletal deformation.The erect posture is preferred by large mammals and birds to achieve a high safety factor of bones during locomotion.Adult Cabot’s Tragopans have stronger femora than pigeons,reflecting a better bone adaption to the terrestrial locomotion of the studied pheas-ant species.Changes in strain and SED during growth reflect the marked difference in locomotor ability between precocial and altricial hatchlings.The femora of hatchling Cabot’s Tragopans were built with better energy efficiency than deformation resistance,enabling optimized mechanical performance.In contrast,although weak in mechani-cal function at the time of hatching,pigeon femora were suggested to be established with a more mature structural design as a prerequisite for rapid growth.These results will be helpful for studies regarding developmental patterns of fossil avian species.

Characterization of Pigeon Paramyxoviruses (Newcastle disease virus) Isolated in Kazakhstan in 2005

Isolates of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) from deceased wild and domestic pigeons in Kazakhstan were obtained from the Almaty region during 2005 and were genotypically analyzed by using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with primers specific to the viral fusion (F) protein gene. Part of the amplified F protein DNA product (nucleotide sequence 47-422) and the deduced amino acid sequences were compared phylogenetically with those from strains previously reported in other geographic regions. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the Kazakhstanian pigeon paramyxovirus type 1 (PPMV-1) isolates belong to genotype VI or 4bii. To our knowledge, this is the first reported VI isolates that possess the sequences of 112 GKRQKR116* F117 within the F0 protein. The information is fundamental to improving the efficiency of control strategies and vaccine development for NDV.