In the framework of a general program to develop the production of the pigeon flesh in Morocco, we carried out in our laboratory a specific study on the bacterial risk contaminations of two local pigeon races called Beldi and Mgandi; in addition to a spanish race named Sevillanos. In fact, as the most poultry species, pigeons are characterized by their small size, an ease in manipulation on the farm and slaughtering, necessitating simpler devices for experiments. The latter has for objectives the genetic selection and the comparison of food systems of farm breeding methods.
The results of the various analysis and the comparison of the averages show an important contamination of the visceral organs by different germs.
This study shows that the local races are characterized by their resistance to colliforms, staphylococcus and streptococus. If the months with high temperature remain a favourable periode for the developpement of the faecal germs, the wintry months, however, are characterized by a high rate of mortality among pigeons.
Besides, the female pigeons remain more exposed to the contaminations by most of the studied germs.