Histochemical observations on the crown skin of male baya: Lipids lipase and phosphomonoesterases.

Histochemical studies on localisation of lipids, lipase and phosphomonoesterases in the crown skin of male baya during non-breeding and breeding seasons were carried out. The results indicated a high turnover rate for lipid synthesis and its utilisation, increased acid and alkaline phosphatase activities in the crown skin of breeding male baya as compared to that in non-breeding season. It is surmised that crown skin of male baya becomes metabolically hyperactive during breeding season aiding processes such as cell growth and proliferation, keratinization and production of coloured feathers related to breeding.