Study on the macrometry of gastrointestinal tract of wild west African Senegal parrot (Poicephalus senegalus versteri)

Abstract

Parrots are ornamental birds that are found in the wild and those in domestication end up in animal units of schools and houses of the wealthy individuals. The wild African Senegal parrot population is at risk of extinction due to its high popularity with urban dweller. Despite their high popularity, there is scanty documentation of the anatomical features of its gastrointestinal tract (GIT). The Wild West African Senegal Parrots were caught around forested area of a farm settlement in Shika, Zaria, Kaduna state, in the Northern part of Nigeria. The mean body weight of the wild Senegal parrot was observed to be 120.50 ± 5.42 g. The mean weights of the GIT with content and without content were 18.01 ±4.80 g and 13.54 ± 5.51 g respectively which accounted for 12.95 % and 10.24 % of the total body mass. The mean weights (small and large intestines) were 2.10 ± 1.09 g and 0.70 ± 0.27 g. The caecum was not noticed and gall bladder had the least mean weight 0.17 ± 0.007 g. while the gizzard the highest of all mean weight 4.28 ± 2.25 g. The mean lengths (GIT, small and large intestines) were; 82. 61 ± 2.36 cm, 41.75 ± 2.97 cm and 18.06 ± 2.01 cm. The glandular area of the proventriculus was longer than the non glandular portion and the left liver was longer compared to the right 3.03 ± 1.53 cm. The ileum is the longest segment of the small intestine which constituted 22.90 ± 2.92 cm.

Keywords: Macrometry, Gastrointestinal Tract, Senegal Parrots