1. The horizontal and vertical vestibuloocular reflex (HVOR and VVOR, respectively) was studied in four chronically instrumented pigeons. Eye movements were measured using the magnetic search-coil technique and were produced by rotation in the dark. During the rotation paradigms, the pigeons were either pharmacologically aroused (using amphetamine) or drug free (normal). The pigeon HVOR and VVO...

A fast inwardly rectifying current has been observed in some of the sensory cells (hair cells) of the inner ear of several species. While the current was presumed to be an IKir current, contradictory evidence existed as to whether the cloned channel actually belonged to the Kir2.0 subfamily of potassium inward rectifiers. In this paper, we report for the first time converging evidence from elec...

One of the principal objectives of developmental research is to understand morphogenesis and in doing so, gain insights into the genetic basis of variation observed throughout the Animal Kingdom. In this review we take an approach, first popularized by Darwin, to understanding how diversity is created by using the domesticated pigeon as a model organism. Nearly 3000 years of selective breeding ...

Human activities often generate or increase concentration of chemical compounds including pesticides, hydrocarbons and metals that can potentially affect ecological interactions. We found that elevated levels of zinc in pigeon feathers were associated with both low prevalence of Chlamydiaceae (ornithosis disease) and low intensity of blood pathogens (Haemosporidian parasites). In contrast, high...

The preceding paper (2) describes experiments on the synthesis of glutamine in pigeon liver dispersions, which, together with the results of Krebs and his collaborators (3, 4) and of Bujard and Leuthardt (5), suggested that adenosine triphosphate may play an essential r81e in amide formation. Proof for this function of adenosine triphosphate has been obt.ained in studies with tissue extracts, w...

Metric data of 6th century CE pigeons from the Negev Desert, Israel, are employed to test competing hypotheses on flock management strategies: that directed selection for size or shape took place under intensive management; or, alternatively, that stabilizing selection was a stronger determinant of size and shape under extensive management conditions. The results of the analysis support the sec...

Egg yolk is the most commonly used cryoprotective agent for sperm cryopreservation of several species.The objective of this experiment was to compare the effectiveness of egg yolk from four avian species(domestic chicken, duck, turkey and pigeon) on sperm quality following cryopreservation of the ram semen.Ejaculates were collected, using an electroejaculator, from six fertile rams. Samples wer...

Para-clinical tests and gross lesion play important roles in identifying parasite disease as all organs ofpigeonsuch as skin, eyes, kidneys, liver and digestive tube can be affected by the parasites. Consequently, there is a possibility to use the feces of pigeon in order to observe parasite ovum and larva to identify the disease. This research was conducted from May to September 2011 and the n...