Postnatal Development of Bursa of Fabricius of Khaki Campbell Duck (Anas platyrhynchos)

Abstract

The present study was conducted on the bursa of Fabricius of Khaki Campbell ducks from day old to 4th week of age irrespective of sex. The organ was located on the dorsal aspect of cloaca and opened in to proctodeum. It was cylindrical to elongated structure and off white in colour. The bursal weight, length and width increased significantly with age. Histologically, four distinct layers were detected. The follicle associated epithelium was lined with a layer of cuboidal to tall columnar pseudostratified cells. Bursal follicle had cortex and medulla which contained lymphocytes. There was significant increase in the number of plicae and cortical lymphocyte diameter with advancing age however, the medullary lymphocytic diameter decreased insignificantly. Post natal development of bursa indicated the maturity of cellular morphology with the increment of age. The most predominant age for functional competency of bursa appeared in 4th week in case of duck.