Unusual brain composition in Crested Ducks (Anas platyrhynchos f.d.)—Including its effect on behavior and genetic transmission

Removal of a Presumed Peripheral Cerebral Cyst via Craniectomy in a Crested Pekin Duck (Anas platyrhynchosf dom)

“…9 The fat bodies of crested ducks have varied from 0.3% to 41% of total brain volume, and ducks with motor incoordination show significantly larger fat bodies. 7 The juvenile crested pekin duck we describe did not show evidence of an intracranial fat body with advanced imaging or visualization during surgery. However, a presumed fluid-filled peripheral cerebral cyst was visualized on advanced imaging and during surgery.…”

“…Additionally, multiple congenital pathologic changes in the cranium and the brain have previously been described in crested domestic ducks. [2][3][4][5][6][7] Results of a complete blood cell count and serum biochemical profile were within reference intervals, aside from an increased creatinine kinase activity (attributed to tissue damage from falling).…”

“…Domestic crested ducks are described as having a high incidence of pre-and postnatal mortality and central nervous system malformations. [2][3][4][5][6][7] Although the cause of these malformations are not fully understood, they are believed to be linked to an incomplete, dominant, autosomal gene. Viable crested domestic ducks are thought to be heterozygous for the gene because homozygous offspring have several malformations (large encephaloceles and malformed beaks) that cause failure to hatch.…”

“…8 Previous studies have focused mainly on the diagnosis of intracranial lesions through advanced imaging techniques and histopathologic examination. [2][3][4][5][6][7] Most of the intracranial lesions described histologically are lipomas consisting of fatty tissue separated into lobules by strands of connective tissue. 9 The fat bodies of crested ducks have varied from 0.3% to 41% of total brain volume, and ducks with motor incoordination show significantly larger fat bodies.…”

Some Remarks on Bird's Brain and Behavior under the Constraints of Domestication

“…In detail, cerebellum, apical hyperpallium, tegmentum, and olfactory bulb were significantly reduced in CR, and obviously the behavioral deficits cannot be explained by the existence of a fat body but by functionally suboptimal cerebella and tegmenta. Fat body size seems to be a decisive factor [61].…”