Search results for "colonial breeding"

Maternal antibody transmission and breeding densities in the Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus

2004

1. The offspring of avian species, especially those of colonial breeders, are exposed to a number of pathogens immediately after birth. The chick's immune system is, at that early stage still immature and inefficient. As a consequence, diseases can have a strong impact on chick survival.2. The ability of mothers to transmit passive immunity in terms of antibodies of their own acquired immunity to their chicks is probably an essential pathway to enhance the chick survival. Since the production of antibodies is costly, females are expected to adjust the transmission of passive immunity to the local disease environment.3. We found that in Black-headed Gulls (Larus ridibundus L.) yolk antibody …