Optimal temperature levels for racing pigeons (Columbia livia) housed under transport conditions: the role of water availability and age
1997
Gorssen, J. (Katholieke Univ. Leuven (Belgium). Faculteit Landbouwkundige en Toegepaste Biologische Wetenschappen. Landbouw Constructie Laboratorium) | Schrama, J.W. | Hel, W. van der | Noordhuizen, J.P.T.M. | Linden, J.M. van der
Adverse transport conditions may increase subsequent bird losses during racing pigeon contests. The effect of water availability and age on the optimal temperature zone for racing pigeons housed under transport conditions was studied. For a period of 23 hours groups of "First Year" and "Adult" pigeons were exposed to one of 10 ambient temperature levels ranging between 15 and 39 degree C, either with or without access to water. Age did not affect the optimal temperature zone, whereas water availability had a strong impact. In birds with access to water, no upper critical temperature was found for heat production, body weight loss and dry matter content. Heat production increased by 0.16 W per kg per degree C above the upper critical temperature of 32.7 degree C. Above 32.1 degree C, body weight loss and dry matter content increased by respectively 1.3 per cent per degree C and 0.83 per cent per degree C. Dehydration as a result of water deprivation and heat exposure during pigeon transport may increase pigeon loss rates during racing contests.
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