A radiological study of the kiwi (apteryx australis mantelli)

Abstract

A kiwi chick has been examined at intervals for four and a half years since hatching. The rate of skeletal maturation has been analysed from radiographs (x-ray photographs). Other aspects of the skeleton have been assessed, particularly the cervical spine. The results suggest that the thorax of the ancestors of the kiwi was more cephalically placed than at present and that four vertebrae classified as cervical were then in the thorax and carried ribs. Even in the modern kiwi vestigial ribs can be seen on the fifteenth cervical vertebra. Studies of the gastrointestinal tract have been carried out on other kiwis using a barium solution with videotaping and radiographic procedures. Anatomical and physiological observations, e.g., temperature, pulse and respiration studies have been made. On those birds requiring anaesthesia the effects of anaesthetic agents have been recorded. Some blood analysis has been done and there are observations on air sacs, the diaphragm and eggs. There is an appendix detailing the radiographic procedures used and the total amount of radiation administered, which was not significantly greater than natural gamma radiation over the same period. © 1985 Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand.