2. Assessment of body weight, egg quality traits and some selected serum electrolyte concentration (Na, K, Ca and P) of three different breeds of pigeon at Rajshahi region, Bangladesh

Abstract

Pigeons are reared in Bangladesh principally with the interest of nutrition, recreation, religious attitude and an income source to earn a livelihood. The study was conducted for the assessment of characteristics of eggs and serum electrolytes concentration (Na, K, Ca and P) of Lakkha, Khaki and Shiraz pigeon’s breeds. Three pairs of each breed were reared in cage with commercial feed and water. After laying eggs, the length and width of eggs were recorded. After hatching of eggs, egg shell thickness was recorded. Thickness of eggshell was 0.20±0.01 mm, 0.13±0.00 mm, 0.21±0.01 mm for Lakkha, Khaki and Shiraz breeds respectively. The squabs were sacrificed on the 45th day after recording body weights and the blood sample was collected and serum sodium, potassium, calcium and phosphorus were analyzed. Serum sodium, potassium, calcium and phosphorus concentrations were: (96.35±5.20) mmol/L, (12.11±0.60) mmol/L, (5.89±0.67) mmol/L and (4.87±0.33) mmol/L for Lakkha breed; (102.96±2.14) mmol/L, (12.31±1.58) mmol/L, (5.80±0.76) mmol/L and (4.75±0.31) mmol/L for Khaki breed; (103.53±0.93) mmol/L, (12.23±0.60), (5.85±0.52) mmol/L and (4.68±0.17) mmol/L for Shiraz breed respectively. A positive correlation between serum calcium and thickness of eggshell was found in Shiraz and khaki breed respectively. On the other hand, a positive correlation was found between eggshell thickness and squab body weight only in the Shiraz breed. It could be concluded that serum calcium and body weight having a potential positive effect on eggshell thickness of corresponding pigeon breed.