Sex determination in domestic rock pigeons (Columba livia) using radiographic morphometry

Abstract

Determination of sex on the base of external morphological features is very difficult in most birds. However, molecular sex identification methods can be used for sexing of these so‐called monomorphic bird species. This study analysed the sexual dimorphism of radiographic morphometric features in rock pigeons whose sexes were determined by the molecular sex identification method. Body weights and 21 radiographic measurements of 43 rock pigeons (18 males and 25 females) were taken. Among cranium measurements, the skull width value was statistically significant in terms of gender (p < .01). Length of carpometacarpus (p < .001) was the most statistically significant measurement of the thoracic limb skeleton, and length of tarsometatarsus (p < .01) was the most statistically significant measurement in the pelvic limb. The body weight showed a positive correlation with all measurements. It was observed that 81.4% of the samples were classified correctly with the measurements used in the discriminant analysis. With this study's results, it can be concluded that sex determination in rock pigeons can also be made by radiographic morphometric methods. In addition, more measurements can be obtained with radiographic images compared to external morphometry.

Sex determination in budgerigars using radiographic pelvimetry

“…Numerous studies have been conducted to investigate the anatomical, morphological and osteometric characteristics of the pelvis and other bony structures in the pelvic limb region of birds, specifically focusing on sexual dimorphism (Abdul‐Rahman et al., 2015; Frigot, 2019; Schnell et al., 1985; Silva et al., 2020; Szara et al., 2022). Furthermore, studies have reported that the majority of measurement parameters obtained from the pelvis tend to be higher in males compared to females.…”

“…It is widely used in the diagnosis of many cases, such as hernia, tumours, ectopic eggs, fractures, lipoma, ovarian cystic hyperplasia, oophoritis and egg retention in pet birds (Durmus, 2022; Kılıcarslan, 2012; König et al., 2016; Krautwald‐Junghanns et al., 2011; Kubiak, 2020). Furthermore, this imaging method proves valuable in determining the sex of animals (Celimli et al., 2008; Leão et al., 2022; Monteiro et al., 2013; Pinheiro et al., 2016; Silva et al., 2020; Szara et al., 2022). To the best of our knowledge, there is currently no research available regarding the application of this method in determining the sex of budgerigars.…”

Fast and Simple Molecular Test for Sex Determination of the Monomorphic Eudromia elegans Individuals

“…This difficulty is not just an inconvenience for researchers; it has significant implications for various aspects of avian biology, including understanding mating systems, population genetics, and conservation strategies. Accurate sex determination within a population allows researchers to investigate patterns of sex ratio, reproductive success, and gene flow, which are crucial for an effective understanding of evolutionary dynamics, conservation management, and added advantages in forensic cases [ 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ].…”

Morphometric study of neurocranium in different male chicken breeds raised in Turkey

“…Other studies are focused on evolutionary and functional avian anatomy (Tokita et al, 2017;Marugán-Lobón and Buscalioni, 2006;Gussekloo et al, 2001). Additional studies are focused on the comparation and diversity (Pecsics, 2023;Zusi, 1993), or the detection of the sexual dimporphism, even if the birds do not show such clear sexual dimorphism as mammals (Szara et al, 2022a;Szara et al, 2022b;Pazvant et al, 2022;Gündemir et al, 2020a;Verdiglione and Rizzi, 2018;Rathert et al, 2017;Dillon, 2014).…”