Investigation of the reproductive behavior of Tarim pigeons

Abstract. This study aims to investigate pigeon behavior across various stages of the breeding period and record their behavioral frequencies to contribute to the theoretical foundation for pigeon breeding and management. The experiment involved 10 pairs of pigeons in the incubation period, 9 pairs of parent pigeons within the first 10 d of the nurturing period, and 9 pairs of parent pigeons with chicks older than 10 d. A direct observation method was used to record behaviors from 08:22 to 22:00 LT daily. Our results revealed that the female pigeon was primarily responsible for incubation during the incubation period. The average incubation duration for female pigeons was 7.94 ± 0.39 h, whereas the average incubation duration for male pigeons was 4.05 ± 0.63 h. The results showed significant differences (P<0.001) in the amount of feed intake (FI) between the three aforementioned groups. The highest FI was found in the group with chicks older than 10 d (A10D), followed by the group within the first 10 d of the nurturing period (W10D), and then the incubation period (IP) group. Additionally, the results showed significant differences (P<0.05) in the frequencies of water and grit consumption and resting behaviors. Drinking water, grit consumption, and resting were highest in the A10D group, followed by the W10D group, and then the IP group. However, the frequencies of ingestion, nurturing, stretching, and preening behaviors did not show significant differences during the studied periods. The findings indicate that there were significant differences (P<0.05) in courtship and fighting behaviors, with the most fighting observed in the W10D period, followed by the A10D period, and then the IP period. The most courtship behavior was observed in the A10D period, followed by the W10D period, and then the IP period. The study did not find any significant differences in mating behavior during these periods. Given that behaviors such as FI, drinking water, eating grit, resting, and courtship were highest during the A10D period, care should be taken during this period, especially regarding the provision of necessary care, in order to enhance economic profit and maintain the health of the pigeons.