Feather bacterial load shapes the trade-off between preening and immunity in pigeons.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Complex communities of bacteria inhabit the feathers of all birds. Under normal conditions, individuals maintain a healthy state by defending themselves against these potential invaders by preening. The immune system is only triggered when bacteria gain access into the body. Preening is, however, costly and may trade-off with investment in the immune system. To shed light on how birds balance the trade-off between immunity and preen secretions when facing high or low feather bacterial load, we experimentally manipulated feather bacteria load of feral pigeons (Columba livia), and investigated the effects on immune defenses.

Results

Birds facing high feather bacterial load had lower immune response to PHA skin-swelling test (a measure of induced pro-inflammatory cap

SUBMITTER: Leclaire S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4392809 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature