China Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine ›› 2022, Vol. 49 ›› Issue (4): 1461-1469.doi: 10.16431/j.cnki.1671-7236.2022.04.028

• Preventive Veterinary Medicine • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Effects of Trichomonas gallinae Infection in Breeding Pigeons on Growth Performance, Carcass Traits and Immune Function of Squab in Pigeon

BIAN Shixiong1, LI Yunlei1, NI Aixin1, GE Pingzhuang1, WANG Yuanmei1, ZONG Yunhe1, HAN Pengmin2, ZHAO Jinmeng1, YUAN Jingwei1, SUN Yanyan1, MA Hui1, CHEN Jilan1   

  1. 1. Key Laboratory of Animal(Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China;
    2. College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu 030801, China
  • Received:2021-09-18 Online:2022-04-05 Published:2022-03-25

Abstract: 【Objective】 The purpose of this experiment was to study the harm to squab caused by Trichomonas gallinae infection of breeding pigeons and provide reference for prevention and control of Trichomonas gallinae disease in pigeon farm.【Method】 Eighteen pairs of uninfected and eighteen pairs of infected pigeons were selected as control group and experimental group,and each pair of pigeons fed two squabs.The experiment lasted for 28 days.The death rate,growth performance,carcass performance,immune organ index and antibody levels of squabs were measured.【Result】 The number of Trichomonas gallinae in experimental group was significantly higher than that in control group (P<0.05),and it was increased with the age of squabs.The death rate of squab in experimental group was 26.92%,which was significantly higher than that in control group (P<0.05).The average daily gain of squabs in experimental groups from 1 to 7 days was significantly lower than that in control group (P<0.05),but there were no significant differences in outbound weight and carcass performance (P>0.05).Trichomoniasis could cause pathological damage to oral mucosa,thymus,liver and spleen,and the contents/activities of ALB,ALT and AST in blood were significantly increased (P<0.05),while the level of sCD8 was significantly decreased (P<0.05).【Conclusion】 Infection of Trichomonas gallinae in breeding pigeons could cause squab infection,cause obvious pathological damage to the tissues such as liver and spleen of squab,reduce immunity of squab,and increase mortality of squab.

Key words: pigeon; Trichomonas gallinae; growth performance; carcass traits; immune performance

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