Comparative Anatomy of the Lower Respiratory Tract of Domestic Fowl (Gallus gallus domesticus) and Guinea Fowl ( Numida meleagris): A Histological Study

A study aiming at investigating the differences in the histological structures of the lower respiratory tract of guinea fowl and domestic fowl was conducted in the department of Veterinary Anatomy of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. A total of twenty four adult birds (12 domestic fowls and 12 guinea fowls) without sex consideration were sacrificed, after which, the lower respiratory tract (trachea and lungs) were identified based on their positions, shapes and relations with other thoracic organs. The relations of the trachea with the neck in the samples were recorded. The lower respiratory tract of each bird was dissected out and fixed in 10% formalin. The samples were subjected to the routine histological processes which ultimately led to the production of histological slides of the various organs. The sides showed that the trachea of both species was lined by respiratory epithelium (pseudo stratified ciliated columnar epithelium) with simple branched tubular mucous glands and goblet cells. Lamina propria-submucosa of the trachea was supported by hyaline cartilage in all the species, which show clear morphological variation by been thicker (double layer) and comprise of loose connective tissue, with large bundles of collagen fibers in guinea fowl than in domestic fowl with single thin layer and comprise of loose connective tissue, with little bundles of collagen fibers. The lungs of the two species appeared to be the same with significant difference in the presence of connective tissue fibers in the lungs of the guinea fowl when compared to the lungs of the domestic fowl. Based on this finding it shown that there is significant difference between the lower respiratory tract of guinea fowl and domestic fowl histologically.

Author(s): Bello A, Shehu SA, Sununu AT, Umaru MA, Umar AA, et al.

Abstract | Full-Text | PDF

Share This Article