TOTAL SERUM CALCIUM AND EUMELANISM IN JUVENILE BANK MYNA, ACRIDOTHERES GINGINIANUS (LATHAM)

Abstract

A series of scarce minerals (Ca, Zn, Cu, Fe) obtained from the diet are known to act as critical regulatory factors in the biosynthesis of eumelanin and phaeomelanin pigments in animals. Juvenile Bank myna is dull brown in colour, whereas adult is bluish grey coloured. A link has been found between degree of eumelanism, total serum calcium and bone weight in juvenile Bank mynawith increasing age. Gradual increase in total femur weight was corresponded by increasing degree of eumelanin pigment and reduction in total serum calcium level.