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 func...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.展开更多
[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 Huiz...[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.展开更多
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...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.展开更多
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,...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.展开更多
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 cent...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.展开更多
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 a...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.展开更多
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 trai...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.展开更多
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 inte...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.展开更多
[ 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 artificia...[ 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.展开更多
Along with the flourishing of brain-computer interface technology,the brain-to-brain information transmission between different organisms has received high attention in recent years.However,specific information transm...Along with the flourishing of brain-computer interface technology,the brain-to-brain information transmission between different organisms has received high attention in recent years.However,specific information transmission mode and implementation technology need to be further studied.In this paper,we constructed a brain-to-brain information transmission system between pigeons based on the neural information decoding and electrical stimulation encoding technologies.Our system consists of three parts:(1)the“perception pigeon”learns to distinguish different visual stimuli with two discrepant frequencies,(2)the computer decodes the stimuli based on the neural signals recorded from the“perception pigeon”through a frequency identification algorithm(neural information decoding)and encodes them into different kinds of electrical pulses,(3)the“action pigeon”receives the Intracortical Microstimulation(ICMS)and executes corresponding key-pecking actions through discriminative learning(electrical stimulation encoding).The experimental results show that our brain-to-brain system achieves information transmission from perception to action between two pigeons with the average accuracy of about 72%.Our study verifies the feasibility of information transmission between inter-brain based on neural information decoding and ICMS encoding,providing important technical methods and experimental program references for the development of brain-to-brain communication technology.展开更多
Genomic studies of Newcastle disease virus(NDV)affecting chickens and pigeons in Nigeria are limited.This study characterized NDVs from chickens and pigeons within households and live bird markets in Bauchi State,Nige...Genomic studies of Newcastle disease virus(NDV)affecting chickens and pigeons in Nigeria are limited.This study characterized NDVs from chickens and pigeons within households and live bird markets in Bauchi State,Nigeria.A total of 80 pooled oropharyngeal and cloacal swab samples were collected from November 2021 to February 2022 and tested using one-step RT-PCR.Interestingly,73(91.25%)of the samples were found to be positive,and 40 sequences of the partial NDV F gene were obtained.The fusion protein cleav-age site amino acid motifs 112R-R-Q/R-K-R-F117 and 112G-R-Q-G-R-L117 were observed for the virulent(95.0%)and lentogenic(5.0%)pathotypes,respectively.The virulent NDV strains clustered with subgenotype XIV.2 NDV strains from Nigeria and neighboring Benin,whereas the lentogenic pathotypes belonged to the genotype II cluster along with NDV vaccine strains.This study highlighted the se-rious threat of virulent NDV,warranting surveillance and improved biosecurity to control local and transboundary spread of NDV.展开更多
Robo-pigeons,a novel class of hybrid robotic systems developed using brain–computer interface technology,hold marked promise for search and rescue missions due to their superior load-bearing capacity and sustained fl...Robo-pigeons,a novel class of hybrid robotic systems developed using brain–computer interface technology,hold marked promise for search and rescue missions due to their superior load-bearing capacity and sustained flight performance.However,current research remains largely confined to laboratory environments,and precise control of their flight behavior,especially flight altitude regulation,in a large-scale spatial range outdoors continues to pose a challenge.Herein,we focus on overcoming this limitation by using electrical stimulation of the locus coeruleus(LoC)nucleus to regulate outdoor flight altitude.We investigated the effects of varying stimulation parameters,including stimulation frequency(SF),interstimulus interval(ISI),and stimulation cycles(SC),on the flight altitude of robo-pigeons.The findings indicate that SF functions as a pivotal switch controlling the ascending and descending flight modes of the robo-pigeons.Specifically,60 Hz stimulation effectively induced an average ascending flight of 12.241 m with an 87.72% success rate,while 80 Hz resulted in an average descending flight of 15.655 m with a 90.52% success rate.SF below 40 Hz did not affect flight altitude change,whereas over 100 Hz caused unstable flights.The number of SC was directly correlated with the magnitude of altitude change,enabling quantitative control of flight behavior.Importantly,electrical stimulation of the LoC nucleus had no significant effects on flight direction.This study is the first to establish that targeted variation of electrical stimulation parameters within the LoC nucleus can achieve precise altitude control in robo-pigeons,providing new insights for advancing the control of flight animal–robot systems in real-world applications.展开更多
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 ...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)。展开更多
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 w...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.展开更多
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 a...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.展开更多
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). Th...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.展开更多
This study was conducted at Fafan Research Center, Golajo research site to evaluate the effect of Moringa stenopetala and pigeon pea leaf supplementation on growth performance of short-eared Somali goat breed. A total...This study was conducted at Fafan Research Center, Golajo research site to evaluate the effect of Moringa stenopetala and pigeon pea leaf supplementation on growth performance of short-eared Somali goat breed. A total of fifteen yearling indigenous short-eared Somali goat breeds with an initial weight of 15.2 ± 0.30 kg were assigned to three treatment groups using completely randomized design. Pigeon pea (Pp) and Moringa stenopetala (MS) feeds were formulated using 0%, 5%, and 10% inclusion levels of MSLM and PPLM as experimental diets, respectively. The feed of the experiment was prepared in two levels (2 kg of Moringa stenopetala and 2 kg of pigeon pea) and was supplemented to experimental animals in treatments one and two, respectively. The average e initial body weight of selected male goats was 18.82 ± 0.37, 18.8 ± 0.37 and 17.8 ± 0.37 kg under treatment groups T1, T2 and control respectively. Data was analyzed using general linear model (GLM) procedure of SAS computer package Version 9.0 (SAS, 2002). The final weights gain (FWG) of goats on T1 and T2 of experimental group was significantly (P 0.05) the final weight gain of goat supplemented on Moringa stenopetala (T1) and pigeon pea levels (T2). The mean average weight gains (AWG) obtained from the supplemented group in this study were 7.50 ± 0.37 and 7.82 ± 0.37 kg for T1 and T2, whereas mean weight gains for un-supplemented goats were found to be 6.26 ± 0.37 kg. Feeding of dried Moringa stenopetala and pigeon pea leaves mixture improved body weights and average daily body weight gain without affecting feed intake and overall health of Somali goat breed. As Moringa stenopetala and pigeon pea leaves are rich nitrogen/protein source, they can be used effectively as substitute for conventional concentrate in the diet of growing goats at small holder farmer’s level where they can be grown in abundance. Therefore, for higher quality of forage and higher total DM yield for animal feeding, moringa should be harvested at wider harvesting intervals of at least 6th- to 8th-week intervals. Similarly, for pigeon peas, 4- to 6-week harvesting interval can result in optimum forage as well as feed quality and resulted in better growth performances for Somali short-eared goat breeds.展开更多
Pigeons and certain other avian species produce a milklike secretion in their crop sacs to nourish offspring,yet the detailed processes involved are not fully elucidated.This study investigated the crop sacs of 225-da...Pigeons and certain other avian species produce a milklike secretion in their crop sacs to nourish offspring,yet the detailed processes involved are not fully elucidated.This study investigated the crop sacs of 225-day-old unpaired non-lactating male pigeons(MN)and males initiating lactation on the first day after incubation(ML).Using RNA sequencing,ribosomeprofiling,andsingle-cell transcriptome sequencing(scRNA-seq),we identified a significant up-regulation of genes associated with ribosome assembly and protein synthesis in ML compared to MN.Results from scRNA-seq analysis identified 12distinct cell types and 22 clusters,with secretory epithelial cells(SECs)exhibiting marked expression of plasma cell markers,including IGLL1 and MZB1.RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization(RNA FISH)and IgY quantification confirmed the critical role of SECs in producing endogenous IgY during lactation.We propose that fibroblast-derived BAFF signals activate SECs,mimicking B cell transformation and enhancing protein production through the unfolded protein response(UPR).These findings shed light on the cellular dynamics of pigeon milk production and contribute to a broader understanding of avian biology.展开更多
[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 colo...[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.展开更多
A closed-loop teleprompter system was used to isolate and manipulate social interactivity in thenatural courtship interactions of pigeons Columbia livia. In Experiment 1, a live face-to-face real-time interaction betw...A closed-loop teleprompter system was used to isolate and manipulate social interactivity in thenatural courtship interactions of pigeons Columbia livia. In Experiment 1, a live face-to-face real-time interaction between 2 courting pigeons （Live） was compared to a played back version of thevideo stimulus recorded during the pairs Live interaction. We found that pigeons were behavinginteractively; their behavior depended on the relationships between their own signals and those oftheir partner. In Experiment 2, we tested whether social interactivity relies on spatial cues presentin the facing direction of a partner＇s display. By moving the teleprompter camera 90~ away from itsoriginal location, the partner＇s display was manipulated to appear as if it is directed 90~ away fromthe subject. We found no effect of spatial offset on the pigeon＇s behavioral response. In Experiment3, 3 time delays, 1 s, 3s, and 9s, a Live condition, and a playback condition were chosen to investi-gate the importance of temporal contiguity in social interactivity. Furthermore, both opposite-sex（courtship） and same-sex （rivalry） pairs were studied to investigate whether social-context affectssocial interactivity sensitivity. Our results showed that pigeon courtship behavior is sensitive totemporal contiguity. Behavior declined in the 9 s and Playback conditions as compared to Live con-dition and the shorter time delays. For males only, courtship behavior also increased in the 3-sdelay condition. The effect of social interactivity and time delay was not observed in rivalry inter-actions, suggesting that social interactivity may be specific to courtship.展开更多
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.30470560 and 30730041)the National Basic Research Program of China (No.2007CB512306)the Knowledge Innovation Project of Chinese Academy of Sciences (No.KSCX1-YW-R-36)
文摘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.
基金Support by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.31402186 and 31302086)the Pearl River Science and Technology New Star Project(Grant No.2012J2200059 and 2014J2200096)+1 种基金the Dean Foundation of Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences(Grant No.201413)the Science and Technology Plan Projects of Guangdong Province(Grant No.2015A020209075,2013B031500005,2014B070706011 and 2013B060400037)
文摘[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.
基金supported in part by the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant 62003146in part by the Key Scientific Research Projects of Colleges and Universities in Henan Province under Grant 21A413004+1 种基金in part by the Major Commission Project of Industrial Innovation and Development Research in Zhumadian City under Grant 2020ZDWT08in part Young Teacher Foundation of Huanghuai University.
文摘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.
文摘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.
基金financially supported by the Monitoring and Surveillance Center for Zoonotic Diseases in Wildlife and Exotic Animals.Faculty of Veterinary Science.Mahidol University
文摘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.
文摘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.
文摘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.
基金Supported by Key Research and Development Program (Modern Agriculture) of Jiangsu Province(BE2017348)Modern Agriculture Project of Yangzhou City(YZ2018043)
文摘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.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(31440083)Science and Technology Support Program of Jiangsu Province(BE2012366)Science and Technology Program of Jiangsu Agri-animal Husbandry Vocational College(YB201006)
文摘[ 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.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(62301496)the Postdoctoral Fellowship Program of China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(GZC20232447)+1 种基金the Program for Science and Technology of Henan Province of China(242300421411)the Key Scientific and Technological Projects of Henan Province(232102210072,232102210098).
文摘Along with the flourishing of brain-computer interface technology,the brain-to-brain information transmission between different organisms has received high attention in recent years.However,specific information transmission mode and implementation technology need to be further studied.In this paper,we constructed a brain-to-brain information transmission system between pigeons based on the neural information decoding and electrical stimulation encoding technologies.Our system consists of three parts:(1)the“perception pigeon”learns to distinguish different visual stimuli with two discrepant frequencies,(2)the computer decodes the stimuli based on the neural signals recorded from the“perception pigeon”through a frequency identification algorithm(neural information decoding)and encodes them into different kinds of electrical pulses,(3)the“action pigeon”receives the Intracortical Microstimulation(ICMS)and executes corresponding key-pecking actions through discriminative learning(electrical stimulation encoding).The experimental results show that our brain-to-brain system achieves information transmission from perception to action between two pigeons with the average accuracy of about 72%.Our study verifies the feasibility of information transmission between inter-brain based on neural information decoding and ICMS encoding,providing important technical methods and experimental program references for the development of brain-to-brain communication technology.
文摘Genomic studies of Newcastle disease virus(NDV)affecting chickens and pigeons in Nigeria are limited.This study characterized NDVs from chickens and pigeons within households and live bird markets in Bauchi State,Nigeria.A total of 80 pooled oropharyngeal and cloacal swab samples were collected from November 2021 to February 2022 and tested using one-step RT-PCR.Interestingly,73(91.25%)of the samples were found to be positive,and 40 sequences of the partial NDV F gene were obtained.The fusion protein cleav-age site amino acid motifs 112R-R-Q/R-K-R-F117 and 112G-R-Q-G-R-L117 were observed for the virulent(95.0%)and lentogenic(5.0%)pathotypes,respectively.The virulent NDV strains clustered with subgenotype XIV.2 NDV strains from Nigeria and neighboring Benin,whereas the lentogenic pathotypes belonged to the genotype II cluster along with NDV vaccine strains.This study highlighted the se-rious threat of virulent NDV,warranting surveillance and improved biosecurity to control local and transboundary spread of NDV.
基金supported by the Research Fund of State Key Laboratory of Mechanics and Control for Aerospace Structures(grant no.1005-IZD2300225)the Scientific Research Starting Foundation of Chinese Academy of Sciences(no.E3J1230201)+1 种基金the National Key Research and Development Program of China(no.2020YFB1313504)the Science and Technology Cooperation Project of the China Electronics Technology Group Corporation.
文摘Robo-pigeons,a novel class of hybrid robotic systems developed using brain–computer interface technology,hold marked promise for search and rescue missions due to their superior load-bearing capacity and sustained flight performance.However,current research remains largely confined to laboratory environments,and precise control of their flight behavior,especially flight altitude regulation,in a large-scale spatial range outdoors continues to pose a challenge.Herein,we focus on overcoming this limitation by using electrical stimulation of the locus coeruleus(LoC)nucleus to regulate outdoor flight altitude.We investigated the effects of varying stimulation parameters,including stimulation frequency(SF),interstimulus interval(ISI),and stimulation cycles(SC),on the flight altitude of robo-pigeons.The findings indicate that SF functions as a pivotal switch controlling the ascending and descending flight modes of the robo-pigeons.Specifically,60 Hz stimulation effectively induced an average ascending flight of 12.241 m with an 87.72% success rate,while 80 Hz resulted in an average descending flight of 15.655 m with a 90.52% success rate.SF below 40 Hz did not affect flight altitude change,whereas over 100 Hz caused unstable flights.The number of SC was directly correlated with the magnitude of altitude change,enabling quantitative control of flight behavior.Importantly,electrical stimulation of the LoC nucleus had no significant effects on flight direction.This study is the first to establish that targeted variation of electrical stimulation parameters within the LoC nucleus can achieve precise altitude control in robo-pigeons,providing new insights for advancing the control of flight animal–robot systems in real-world applications.
文摘选注者言: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)。
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China.
文摘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.
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and Amherst College.
文摘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.
文摘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.
文摘This study was conducted at Fafan Research Center, Golajo research site to evaluate the effect of Moringa stenopetala and pigeon pea leaf supplementation on growth performance of short-eared Somali goat breed. A total of fifteen yearling indigenous short-eared Somali goat breeds with an initial weight of 15.2 ± 0.30 kg were assigned to three treatment groups using completely randomized design. Pigeon pea (Pp) and Moringa stenopetala (MS) feeds were formulated using 0%, 5%, and 10% inclusion levels of MSLM and PPLM as experimental diets, respectively. The feed of the experiment was prepared in two levels (2 kg of Moringa stenopetala and 2 kg of pigeon pea) and was supplemented to experimental animals in treatments one and two, respectively. The average e initial body weight of selected male goats was 18.82 ± 0.37, 18.8 ± 0.37 and 17.8 ± 0.37 kg under treatment groups T1, T2 and control respectively. Data was analyzed using general linear model (GLM) procedure of SAS computer package Version 9.0 (SAS, 2002). The final weights gain (FWG) of goats on T1 and T2 of experimental group was significantly (P 0.05) the final weight gain of goat supplemented on Moringa stenopetala (T1) and pigeon pea levels (T2). The mean average weight gains (AWG) obtained from the supplemented group in this study were 7.50 ± 0.37 and 7.82 ± 0.37 kg for T1 and T2, whereas mean weight gains for un-supplemented goats were found to be 6.26 ± 0.37 kg. Feeding of dried Moringa stenopetala and pigeon pea leaves mixture improved body weights and average daily body weight gain without affecting feed intake and overall health of Somali goat breed. As Moringa stenopetala and pigeon pea leaves are rich nitrogen/protein source, they can be used effectively as substitute for conventional concentrate in the diet of growing goats at small holder farmer’s level where they can be grown in abundance. Therefore, for higher quality of forage and higher total DM yield for animal feeding, moringa should be harvested at wider harvesting intervals of at least 6th- to 8th-week intervals. Similarly, for pigeon peas, 4- to 6-week harvesting interval can result in optimum forage as well as feed quality and resulted in better growth performances for Somali short-eared goat breeds.
基金supported by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of Jiangxi Province,China (JXARS-09)Science and Technology Program of Guangdong Province,China (2020B1212060060)。
文摘Pigeons and certain other avian species produce a milklike secretion in their crop sacs to nourish offspring,yet the detailed processes involved are not fully elucidated.This study investigated the crop sacs of 225-day-old unpaired non-lactating male pigeons(MN)and males initiating lactation on the first day after incubation(ML).Using RNA sequencing,ribosomeprofiling,andsingle-cell transcriptome sequencing(scRNA-seq),we identified a significant up-regulation of genes associated with ribosome assembly and protein synthesis in ML compared to MN.Results from scRNA-seq analysis identified 12distinct cell types and 22 clusters,with secretory epithelial cells(SECs)exhibiting marked expression of plasma cell markers,including IGLL1 and MZB1.RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization(RNA FISH)and IgY quantification confirmed the critical role of SECs in producing endogenous IgY during lactation.We propose that fibroblast-derived BAFF signals activate SECs,mimicking B cell transformation and enhancing protein production through the unfolded protein response(UPR).These findings shed light on the cellular dynamics of pigeon milk production and contribute to a broader understanding of avian biology.
基金Supported by Key Research and Development Program of Jiangsu Province(Modern Agriculture)(BE2017348)~~
文摘[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.
文摘A closed-loop teleprompter system was used to isolate and manipulate social interactivity in thenatural courtship interactions of pigeons Columbia livia. In Experiment 1, a live face-to-face real-time interaction between 2 courting pigeons （Live） was compared to a played back version of thevideo stimulus recorded during the pairs Live interaction. We found that pigeons were behavinginteractively; their behavior depended on the relationships between their own signals and those oftheir partner. In Experiment 2, we tested whether social interactivity relies on spatial cues presentin the facing direction of a partner＇s display. By moving the teleprompter camera 90~ away from itsoriginal location, the partner＇s display was manipulated to appear as if it is directed 90~ away fromthe subject. We found no effect of spatial offset on the pigeon＇s behavioral response. In Experiment3, 3 time delays, 1 s, 3s, and 9s, a Live condition, and a playback condition were chosen to investi-gate the importance of temporal contiguity in social interactivity. Furthermore, both opposite-sex（courtship） and same-sex （rivalry） pairs were studied to investigate whether social-context affectssocial interactivity sensitivity. Our results showed that pigeon courtship behavior is sensitive totemporal contiguity. Behavior declined in the 9 s and Playback conditions as compared to Live con-dition and the shorter time delays. For males only, courtship behavior also increased in the 3-sdelay condition. The effect of social interactivity and time delay was not observed in rivalry inter-actions, suggesting that social interactivity may be specific to courtship.
