Parámetros hemáticos y morfométricos relacionados con el vuelo en palomas urbanas y mensajeras (Columba livia var.)

Abstract

Hematic and morphometricparameters related to flight in urban and homing pigeons (Columba livia var.)
Hematological and morphometrical parameters related to exercise were studied in homing and urban pigeons, and a progressive training program was carried out in a group of homing pigeons. Differences in the hematological parameters were not evident with age or sex in homing pigeons. The weight of homing pigeons was significantly greater than that of the urban pigeons. Males were heavier than females. Interesting variations in morphometrical parameters were found in homing pigeons when compared with urban pigeons, showing higher wing-loading index and longer wings which seems to be an adaptation to long flights. Hematocrit and hemoglobin values showed significant changes during the progressive training program probably as an adaptation to exercise. The loss of weight during the flights reached values of 13% of the body weight.