Dove milk, also known as crop milk, is a nutritious secretion produced in the crop of parent doves (both male and female) to feed their young.
Understanding Dove Milk
Dove milk isn't actually milk in the mammalian sense. It's a specialized fluid created within the crop, a pouch-like expansion of the esophagus. During the breeding season, the cells lining the crop wall proliferate and become engorged with fat and protein. These cells then slough off and are regurgitated as a thick, yellowish fluid – the "milk."
Production and Composition
Here's a breakdown of dove milk's key characteristics:
- Produced by both parents: Unlike mammalian milk, both male and female doves are capable of producing crop milk, demonstrating a shared parental responsibility.
- Rich in nutrients: Dove milk is incredibly nutritious, being high in protein, fat, and immune-boosting antibodies. It provides essential nourishment for rapidly growing nestlings.
- Regulation: The production of dove milk is hormonally controlled, with prolactin playing a crucial role.
- Appearance: It has a cottage cheese-like consistency and a yellowish color.
Feeding Process
The feeding process involves the parent dove opening its beak wide, allowing the nestling to insert its head inside. The "milk" is then regurgitated directly into the nestling's mouth. This continues until the young doves are old enough to digest seeds and other foods.
Importance of Dove Milk
Dove milk is essential for the survival of young doves. It provides the necessary nutrients and antibodies to support their growth and development during the crucial early stages of life. Without it, nestlings would likely not survive.
