ISSN:
1420-9071
Keywords:
Pigeon milk
;
major elements
;
trace minerals
;
nutrition
;
postnatal growth
;
squabs
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Summary Mineral analysis of pigeon milk indicates its major elements to be P〉Ca〉K〉Na〉Mg (in that order) and trace elements Fe〉Zn〉Mn〉Cu. Whereas the levels of Ca, K, Mg, Na and Mn remain fairly constant in the first week, those of P, Fe, Zn and Cu fall significantly during this period. Compared to cow's and human milk, pigeon milk has definitely higher levels of trace elements. Similarly, the trace mineral content of pigeon milk exceeds that of pigeon egg albumen or yolk. Except for Fe, Mn and Cu, pigeon milk is richer than adult pigeon feed in its mineral content. The Ca:P ratio of pigeon milk increases from 0.3 to 1.1 in the first five days. It appears that the high trace mineral content of pigeon milk is one of the factors contributing to the phenomenal postnatal growth of squabs.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01954225
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