Influences of Dietary Enrichment in Juvenile and Adult Male Zebra Finch (Taeniopygia Castanotis) on Cheek Patch Growth and Color

Presenter(s)

Carley Craig, University of Mississippi
Mathew Thibodeaux, University of Mississippi
Mary Tharp, University of Mississippi
Gabrielle Morris, University of Mississippi
Woodward Young, University of Mississippi
Belinda Bagwandeen, University of Mississippi
Lainy B. Day, University of Mississippi

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Description

Zebra finches (ZF) are sexually dimorphic. In captive ZFs, enriched diets increase cheek area and alter color, increasing adult male attractiveness. In the wild, breeding and brooding occur when proteinaceous seeds available. Our experiment tests whether supplemental egg food benefits captive non-breeding adults and juveniles.Pre-experiment, adults fed eggs, cuttlebone & bread 2x week. Other facets of our experiment showed enriched diet led to decreased reactive CORT levels and increased body mass, with the largest increase in females.

All authors are affiliated with the University of Mississippi Department of Biology and Neuroscience Minor.

Publication Date

4-4-2024

Relational Format

Presentation

Disciplines

Neurosciences

Recommended Citation

Craig, Carley; Thibodeaux, Mathew; Tharp, Mary; Morris, Gabrielle; Young, Woodward; Bagwandeen, Belinda; and Day, Lainy B., "Influences of Dietary Enrichment in Juvenile and Adult Male Zebra Finch (Taeniopygia Castanotis) on Cheek Patch Growth and Color" (2024). Neuroscience Research Showcase. 22.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/neuro_showcase/22

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