Method of determining the osmotic fragility curves of erythrocytes in birds.

The osmotic fragility of erythrocytes in 3 species of birds (Gallus gallus domesticus, Coturnix coturnix japonica, Columba livia) and the rat was determined. The results of this study point to a smaller osmotic fragility. Birds, with elliptical erythrocytes, have a lower osmotic fragility than species with round erythrocytes, like most of the mammals.