Some Morphometric and Radiological Features of the African Bush Fowl (Francolinus bicalcaratus): Insights for Domestication and Conservation Strategies

Morphometry and Radiology of the Gastrointestinal Tract of African Bush Fowl

Abstract

Abstract

The Double-Spurred Francolin (Francolinus bicalcaratus), or the African Bush Fowl, is a keystone savannah species. The bird is edible but faces threats from habitat loss and hunting pressure despite being economically valuable to several populations. This calls for concern about research and methods in supporting conservation and population viability measures. The significance of environmental requirements and population monitoring in ensuring conservation measures is brought out by earlier research work conducted on the other francolin species.

The gastrointestinal ecology and health of free-living birds depend on gastrointestinal transit time (GIT) and radiology examinations. While GIT transit time affects a bird's diet, foraging habits, and nutrient absorption, radiology is used to detect gastrointestinal disease and illustrate food transit. When used together, these tests give a complete picture of the digestive system of free-living birds, which can be used to guide conservation and wildlife management strategies. This information can be utilized to conserve wild bird species by informing habitat, diet, and population management.

This study explores the anatomical and radiological diameter of the GI tract of the African Bush Fowl on radiographs. Prior to radiography, in which ten adult African Bush Fowls (five males and five females) were immobilized and anesthetized, prior to being humanely put down, there was plain radiography for GIT measurement in size and GI transit times analysis on contrast-enhanced images. Morphometric measurement was used to measure and quantify the digestive organs after euthanasia.

The presence of grit required for processing food was demonstrated via the mineral composition of the crop and gizzard. This might also be attributed to ingestion of grain by birds. In comparison to photographs, the transit time of GI was on average forty minutes. A correlation between carcass weight and organosomatic marker or GI tract linear measurement did not exist. This is in agreement with some research in fish and mammals indicating that any-sized animals are able to adapt the morphophysiology of the digestive system. Such independence may be initiated by the environment, adaptive evolutionary mechanisms, or large-scale differences in individual variation. To gain complete appreciation of such mechanisms and how they impact domestication and conservation plans, more studies are required.