title: Alteration in haematocrit values and plasma protein fractions during the breeding cycle of female pigeons, Columba livia.
abstract: Haematocrit measurements and plasma protein electrophoresis were carried out in female pigeons (Columba livia) during the breeding cycle. Non-laying birds showed higher (p < 0.001) haematocrit values than those involved in courtship and mating, nest-building, incubation and feeding and brooding. Significant differences in relative percentage of various plasma protein fractions were observed as a function of breeding. Haematocrit could be a useful index to the non-laying status of pigeons like that in chickens, Gallus domesticus.
authors.affiliation: Department of Applied Zoology, Mangalore University, Mangalagangothri 574 199, India. klgaya@rediffmail.com
authors.forename: K L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Gayathri
authors.forename: S N
authors.initials: SN
authors.lastname: Hegde
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D001798:Blood Proteins / Q000032:analysis*; D001947:Breeding; D010856:Columbidae / Q000097:blood* / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006400:Hematocrit / Q000662:veterinary*; D010058:Oviposition / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D001798:Blood Proteins