Date: 20.9.2011
Pigeons, flamingos and male emperor penguins are all able to produce "milk" in their crop to feed their chicks. Research published in BioMed Central's open access journal BMC Genomics uses new technology to study the genes and proteins involved in pigeon "milk" production and shows that pigeon "milk" contains antioxidants and immune-enhancing proteins.
Production of crop milk, a secretion from the crops of parent birds, is rare among birds and, apart from pigeons, is only found in flamingos and male emperor penguins. Essential for the growth and development of the young pigeon squab, pigeon 'milk' is produced by both parents from fluid-filled cells lining the crop that are rich in fat and protein.
It is possible that if antioxidant and immune proteins are present in pigeon 'milk', they are directly enhancing the immune system of the developing squab as well as protecting the parental crop tissue.
Gate2Biotech - Biotechnology Portal - All Czech Biotechnology information in one place.
ISSN 1802-2685
This website is maintained by: CREOS CZ
© 2006 - 2024 South Bohemian Agency for Support to Innovative Enterprising (JAIP)
Interesting biotechnology content:
OECD Biotechnology Topic - Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
Brno University of Technology - university of technology in Brno
Researchers uncover key biomolecule involved in whooping cough infection
Plant non-steroidal anti-inflammatory leaves immune system intact