Stopmite for ever!

We once explained that there are several important differences between birds and mammals, particularly in the area of respiration. Comparison:

Respiratory System Birds vs. Mammals

Feature Birds Mammals
Lung structure Rigid, minimally deformable Elastic, deformable
Gas exchange surface Efficient via parabronchi and capillary network Large via millions of alveoli
Airflow Unidirectional (continuously oxygen-rich) Bidirectional (in–out through the same channel)
Air sacs Present, act as air reservoirs Absent
Respiratory cycle 2 cycles required for full air turnover 1 cycle per breath
Efficiency Up to 10× more efficient than in mammals Less efficient, depends on lung elasticity
Metabolism Very high, susceptible to hypoxia under stress Average
Breathing during movement Synchronized with wingbeat Not directly coupled to movement

  • No diaphragm, so the abdomen communicates directly with the thorax, including the lungs, heart, and air sacs.
  • A varying number of pneumatic (air-filled) hollow bones that also communicate with the abdomen and thorax
  • In pigeons, hollow bones combined with an extensive air-sac system that extends throughout the body, with a complex unidirectional airflow and higher diffusion efficiency, make effective oxygen uptake up to 10× more efficient than in mammals!
Despite the fact that this system requires two respiratory cycles to expel the air again.

Hollow bonesAir sacs

Hollow bones                                                           Air sacs

  • Fully cartilaginous tracheal rings are characteristic of this flow-through system.
You therefore cannot “strangle” a pigeon (there is no weak spot in the trachea as in mammals, which have a tracheal “ligament” that can be compressed). Breathing is achieved by free movement of the chest and abdomen (very little internal lung bellows movement occurs). Therefore, excessive pressure on the body when handled clumsily can cause oxygen deprivation.
  • A very high metabolism.
That is, stress with the resulting increased oxygen demand in a sick pigeon can quickly lead to critical situations. For example, catching large numbers of pigeons due to vaccinations. Stress is an important factor, and controlling it is a cornerstone. An oxygen-rich environment is likewise crucial.
This is where the great importance of Stopmite comes into play:

1. Stopmite’s action on parasites: when added to feed, Stopmite gives the blood an unpleasant taste, causing parasites to stay away.

Stopmite
2. Stopmite provides clean lofts and pure, especially oxygen-rich air. This is due to the special scent of essential oils, which is optimized by the oxygen in the air and displaces the strong, harmful ammonia odor.

The essential oils penetrate immediately into the deepest fibers of the body, where they exert their beneficial effect and resolve the main health problems.

This fresh, oxygen-rich air is crucial for the pigeons’ energy production and thus, in addition to Stopmite, one should always ensure good ventilation- without drafts.

Stopmite schema

For optimal flight performance, the continuous supply of oxygen-rich air is essential, because this enables the optimal combustion of both fats and carbohydrates, the primary sources of endurance energy for the pigeon.

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