Morphological characteristics of Şebap Pigeons (Columba livia domestica)

Abstract

Şebap pigeon is unique to Şanlıurfa region, which is one of the domestication centers of pigeons in Turkey. In this region pigeon breeding is a tradition. In Şanlıurfa there are 5 varieties of Şebap, including Miski, Kürenk, Çakmaklı, Gök and Arap, which were determined by Şebap Pigeon Association and Federation. The objective of this study is to determine the phenotypic characteristics of the Şebap pigeon. Animal material (n=132) of the study consists of stated varieties, which were analysed according to age and as well as gender (n=66 male, n=66 female). Age groups were formed on the basis of 4 development periods, including 06-12 months (Group 1, n=28), 13-24 months (Group 2, n=35), 25-36 months (Group 3, n=37) and >36 months (Group 4, n=32). The distribution of varieties was as follows: Miski (57.5%), Kürenk (16.7%), Çakmaklı (11.4%), Gök (11.4%) and Arap (3.0%). According to morphological characteristics analysed in the study, the difference between the gender groups in terms of body length was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.01). The findings of this study support the view that Şebap pigeons are breed. However, it would be meaningful to support the results obtained for morphometric characterization with future genetic characterization studies.