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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 106(4)

Development of parameters influencing blood oxygen-carrying capacity in nestling doves

Kylie Eklom A and Alan Lill A B C
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Wildlife Ecology Research Group, School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton Campus, Vic. 3800, Australia.

B School of Psychology, Psychiatry and Psychological Medicine, Monash University, Clayton Campus, Vic. 3800, Australia.

C Corresponding author. Email: Alan.Lill@sci.monash.edu.au

Emu 106(4) 283-288 https://doi.org/10.1071/MU05061
Submitted: 16 November 2005  Accepted: 4 August 2006   Published: 19 October 2006

Abstract

Variation in growth profiles among altricial bird species is mirrored by differing developmental patterns of blood parameters that influence oxygen-carrying capacity (O2Cap). We documented these patterns for the Spotted Turtle-dove (Streptopelia chinensis), which has a growth profile characterised by rapid growth, a short nestling period and asymptotic and fledging masses <60% of adult levels. During nestling development, erythrocyte count (RBC) increased 3.4-fold, and haematocrit (Hct) and blood haemoglobin content (Hb) 1.5-fold. Erythrocyte volume (MCV) decreased from 435 fl to 203 fl. The main mechanism causing the 1.5-fold increase in O2Cap, a RBC increase that more than compensated for the concurrent MCV decrease, resembled that in other altricial birds. At fledging, erythrocyte parameters associated with blood oxygen-carrying capacity were 72–89% of mean adult values. Collectively, the development patterns encompassed features found in both some rapidly and some slowly developing altricial species. For example, Hb increased continuously at a constant rate throughout development, as in some other rapidly growing species, but Hct stopped increasing once a mass of ~74 g had been achieved, a pattern resembling those in some slowly developing species with mass overshoot-recession growth profiles.


Acknowledgments

We thank Kim Kitchen and Helen Crisp (field assistance), Prue Simmons and Alistair Stewart (statistical assistance) and Graeme Farrington (technical help). We are grateful to Megan and Lyn Price for allowing us access to their property to trap Doves. Two anonymous referees provided useful comments on the manuscript. The study was approved by the Monash University School of Biological Sciences Animal Ethics Committee.


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