Functions of innate and acquired immune system are reduced in domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica) given a low protein diet.

ABSTRACT: Racing pigeons are exposed to and act as carriers of diseases. Dietary protein requirement for their maintenance has not been determined experimentally despite their being domesticated for over 7000 years. A maintenance nitrogen (protein) requirement (MNR) for pigeons was determined in a balance study using diets containing 6, 10 and 14% crude protein (CP). Then, the effects of feeding the diets were investigated to determine whether they were adequate to sustain innate and acquired immune functions. Nitrogen intake from the 6% CP diet was sufficient to maintain nitrogen balance and body weight in pigeons. However, the immune functions of phagocytosis, oxidative burst and lymphocyte proliferation in pigeons fed this diet were reduced compared with those fed 10 and 14% CP diets. Pigeons giv

SUBMITTER: Mabuchi Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4821251 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature