SYNTHESIS OF ADEQUATE PROTEIN IN THE GLANDS OF THE PIGEON CROP

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Abstract
In the lower end of the pigeon crop and extending into the esophagus are many branched alveolar glands (absent from the crop of a chicken) formed by hypertrophy of the basal cells of the stratified squamous epithelium which lines the entire crop. The ducts of the glands open upon the inner surface of the crop and esophagus. The desquama-tion of the basal lining cells produces the milky serum secreted by parent pigeons when feeding their young. This fluid is high in fat, protein, mineral matter, and contains such enzymes as rennet, amylases and sac-charases, etc., all of which aid in providing a suitable food for the young. A possible synthesis may go on in these glands to supplement the amino acids known to be missing in corn and necessary for maintenance and growth.

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