The Effect of Host Beak Condition on the Size of Menacanthus Stramineus Populations of Domestic Chickens

Brown, N. Sandra

doi:10.3382/ps.0510162

Cited by 37 publications

(26 citation statements)

References 3 publications

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“…In a similar way, Stockdale & Raun (1965) noted that three adult females of the same louse species produced 12,305 offspring within 16 weeks. Brown (1970) found that an initial population of 50 chicken body lice increased to 1,584 in 31 days on debeaked birds but the same numbers (50) released on beaked birds, could not increase beyond 56 lice, indicating that host preening has profound effect on the growth of the louse population. In G. gallinae (Saxena et al 2006, in litt.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 97%

“…Attempts to determine the values of rm of two mammalian lice, the sheep louse Bovicola ovis Schrank, 1781 and the rodent louse Geomydoecus oregonus Price et Emerson, 1971, have been made by Murray & Gordon (1969) and Rust (1974), respectively. As far as the avian lice are concerned, information on trends in population increase of the chicken body louse, Menacanthus stramineus Nitzsch, 1818 can be derived from papers of Glees & Raun (1959), Stockdale & Raun (1965) and Brown (1970). Recently, the intrinsic rate of natural increase of the poultry fluff louse, Goniocotes gallinae (De Geer, 1778) has been studied by Saxena et al (2006, in litt.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Intrinsic rate of natural increase of Brueelia amandavae (Ischnocera, Phthiraptera) populations infesting Indian red avadavat

Gupta¹,

Kumar²,

Saxena³

2007

Biologia

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Abstract:The incubation period of eggs, duration of three nymphal instars, adult longevity and the daily egg-deposition rate of the ischnoceran Phthiraptera, Brueelia amandavae, were determined by rearing the louse in vitro (35 ± 1• C, 75-82% RH, feather diet). The data obtained were utilized for life table construction and determination of the intrinsic rate of natural increase (0.031 per day) and the doubling time (23.45 days) of the louse population. The doubling time of the louse in in vivo experiments was 21.5 days.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 97%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Intrinsic rate of natural increase of Brueelia amandavae (Ischnocera, Phthiraptera) populations infesting Indian red avadavat

Gupta¹,

Kumar²,

Saxena³

2007

Biologia

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“…Although the role of preening in controlling ectoparasites has long been recognized (Rothschild & Clay 1952;Brown 1972), this is the first study to demonstrate a specific adaptation that enhances preening efficiency. More research is needed to determine exactly how the overhang functions; e.g.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Adaptive significance of avian beak morphology for ectoparasite control

et al. 2005

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The beaks of Darwin's finches and other birds are among the best known examples of adaptive evolution. Beak morphology is usually interpreted in relation to its critical role in feeding. However, the beak also plays an important role in preening, which is the first line of defence against harmful ectoparasites such as feather lice, fleas, bugs, flies, ticks and feather mites. Here, we show a feature of the beak specifically adapted for ectoparasite control. Experimental trimming of the tiny (1-2 mm) maxillary overhang of rock pigeons (Columba livia) had no effect on feeding efficiency, yet triggered a dramatic increase in feather lice and the feather damage they cause. The overhang functions by generating a shearing force against the tip of the lower mandible, which moves forward remarkably quickly during preening, at up to 31 times per second. This force damages parasite exoskeletons, significantly enhancing the efficiency of preening for parasite control. Overhangs longer than the natural mean of 1.6 mm break significantly more often than short overhangs. Hence, stabilizing selection will favour overhangs of intermediate length. The adaptive radiation of beak morphology should be re-assessed with both feeding and preening in mind.

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“…1 cm from the upper mandible of domestic chickens or pigeons, leading to dramatic increases in ectoparasite load [118][119][120][121]. Subsequent tests impaired preening in a less invasive way, using poultry "bits," which are small, C-shaped pieces of metal or plastic.…”

Section: Grooming: Self-preeningmentioning

confidence: 99%

How Birds Combat Ectoparasites

Clayton¹,

Koop²,

Harbison³

et al. 2010

TOOENIJ

222

211

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Birds are plagued by an impressive diversity of ectoparasites, ranging from feather-feeding lice, to featherdegrading bacteria. Many of these ectoparasites have severe negative effects on host fitness. It is therefore not surprising that selection on birds has favored a variety of possible adaptations for dealing with ectoparasites. The functional significance of some of these defenses has been well documented. Others have barely been studied, much less tested rigorously. In this article we review the evidence -or lack thereof -for many of the purported mechanisms birds have for dealing with ectoparasites. We concentrate on features of the plumage and its components, as well as anti-parasite behaviors. In some cases, we present original data from our own recent work. We make recommendations for future studies that could improve our understanding of this poorly known aspect of avian biology.

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The Effect of Host Beak Condition on the Size of Menacanthus Stramineus Populations of Domestic Chickens

Cited by 37 publications

References 3 publications

Intrinsic rate of natural increase of Brueelia amandavae (Ischnocera, Phthiraptera) populations infesting Indian red avadavat

Intrinsic rate of natural increase of Brueelia amandavae (Ischnocera, Phthiraptera) populations infesting Indian red avadavat

Adaptive significance of avian beak morphology for ectoparasite control

How Birds Combat Ectoparasites

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