The morphology of birds-importance in science and veterinary medicine

13^th International Veterinary Congress

May 02-03, 2019 | London, UK

Srebrenka Nejedli

University of Zagreb, Croatia

Keynote: J Vet Sci Technol

Abstract :

Although, there are many species of birds, their morphology is very similar. The skeleton differs according to the structure of the sternum which is essential to know because of the intra muscular application of drugs to the pectoral muscle. In birds, most of the bones are pneumatized and because of that they are extremely light, which makes their flight easier. Specifically, some bones like the first 3 to 5 thoracic vertebrae are fused into a single bone, the notarium in birds like chickens, hawks and pigeons. There are differences in sizes of individual bones and they can be measured. For example, we can measure the length of the beak, head, long bones, which are special for each species. Also, the position and number of fingers are specific to each species. Muscles used for flying are mostly red in color because the muscle fibers of these muscles contain a higher amount of myoglobin. Some birds like parrots have infra orbital sinuses whose inflammation manifests as a red ring around the eye. In some birds such as pigeons there is a venous plexus on the neck. In birds, there is a noticeable sexual dimorphism and males mostly have more intensive colors of feathers than females.

Biography :

Srebrenka Nejedli is a Professor in the department of anatomy, histology and embryology at the Veterinary Faculty University of Zagreb. Her research interests are anatomy, histology and embryology of the domestic animals, birds and reptiles. She authored many publications and was the president and a member of the Organizing Committee of Congresses and member of the EAVA.

E-mail: snejedli@vef.hr