Can kefir supplementation influence the growth performance and serum biochemistry of artificially reared squabs of three pigeon breeds?

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of kefir on growth performance and some serum parameters in artificially reared squabs. A total of 114 1 d old squabs (Takla, Dolapçı, and Homing breeds) were fed crop milk by their parents for 3 d. The squabs were then randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups: (1) the control group, which was fed naturally by their parents; (2) the artificial crop milk (ACM) group, which was hand-fed with artificial crop milk; and (3) the kefir (KEF) group, which was hand-fed with artificial crop milk supplemented with 2 % kefir. Samples of crop milk were collected 3 d after hatching, and their chemical composition was analysed. The body weights and feed intake of the squabs were monitored daily. Blood samples were taken from the squabs at 28 d of age to determine serum biochemical parameters. The nutritional composition of crop milk did not vary according to pigeon breed ( P >0.05). In the study, it was determined that body weight, body weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio were significantly reduced in the ACM and KEF groups compared to the CON group ( P ≤ 0.05). In the KEF group, Homing pigeon squabs had higher feed intake and body weight than those in the ACM group. Serum biochemical parameters, except for aspartate aminotransferase, differed among the pigeon breeds ( P ≤ 0.05). In contrast, among the measured serum parameters, only total protein and albumin were significantly affected by the dietary treatments ( P ≤ 0.05). In conclusion, hand-feeding with artificial crop milk resulted in poorer growth performance than parental feeding.