Identification and Extraction of Colors Pigments using Novel Techniques in Green Cheek Conures (<i>Pyrrhura molinae</i>)

Aviculture is one of the most growing and profitable industries globally. Parrots are the most demanding birds worldwide because of their companionship. The current study was conducted at community college PARS, UAF for 40 days. This study was conducted to investigate the impact of dietary protein levels on plumage coloration in Green-cheeked conures (Pyrrhura molinae). Green cheeked conures was equally divided into three treatments (2 in each group): T0 was fed with normal bird meal, T1 with a 6% protein diet and T2 with a 3% protein diet. Carotenoid and melanin was extracted by using acidified pyridine. Biochemical analysis using HPLC techniques was used to examine melanin and carotenoid deposition in feathers. UV-Vis spectrophotometer were used to determine absorbance level of each melanin and carotenoid sample. Carotenoid based protein become more sensitive towards their off springs. T1 (1.6040±0.9663) produce more protein as compared to T0 (0.18113± 0.15008). There were significant variations in plumage coloration based on protein intake levels with higher protein diets as compare to low protein diet. Treatments on high-protein diets produced more colorful cheek feathers and exhibited shifts towards red hues in both cheek and tail feathers. Other body feathers were not affected by protein levels. Data was recorded as Mean ± SEM and is analyzed by one-way ANOVA. Statistical analysis showed all data significantly different with P<0.05.