Effects of Immune Challenge on Barn Swallow Nestlings
Author Information
Author(s): Romano Andrea, Rubolini Diego, Caprioli Manuela, Boncoraglio Giuseppe, Ambrosini Roberto, Saino Nicola
Primary Institution: Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
Hypothesis
Does an immune challenge affect growth and begging behavior in barn swallow nestlings differently based on sex?
Conclusion
The immune challenge negatively impacted growth and feather quality in barn swallow chicks, with more pronounced effects in females.
Supporting Evidence
- LPS-treated chicks had lower body mass compared to controls.
- LPS treatment resulted in increased occurrence of fault bars on feathers.
- Female nestlings showed more intense begging behavior after LPS treatment.
- Parents did not preferentially feed LPS-treated chicks despite increased begging.
- Chicks of either sex were differently affected by the immune challenge.
Takeaway
When baby barn swallows get sick, it makes them grow slower and look different, especially the girls.
Methodology
Nestlings were injected with a bacterial endotoxin to simulate an immune response, and their growth and begging behavior were measured.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in measuring begging behavior due to observer effects.
Limitations
The study was conducted in a specific location and may not generalize to all barn swallow populations.
Participant Demographics
107 male and 95 female barn swallow nestlings from 47 broods.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website