Abstract

The aims of this study were to examine the skeleton of
domesticated budgerigars of phenotypically different breeding
types, to describe the expression of skeletal changes and to
discuss the results with special reference to the causes and
effects of breed-conditioned alterations. Complete skeletons
of 39 adult budgerigars of both sexes were the object of our
research. The examinations demonstrated that almost all
metrically sized skeleton dimensions of budgerigars of the
exhibition type were increased significantly, compared with
those of the non-exhibition type. Only for the scapula significant
length differences between the budgerigars of both
breeding types could not be verified. It can be stated that the
measuring parameters �occipital width�, �maxilla length�, �skull
length� and �prefrontal width� are suitable for the characterization
of exhibition budgerigars. However, sexual dimorphisms
could be verified in only three parameters (width of the
pars symphysialis mandibulae, height of the skull, width of the
skull within the range of the occiput). It has to be clarified in
future studies to what extent the changes in the skeleton of
budgerigars of the exhibition type have already had
consequences for their flying ability, metabolism, health and
well-being.