Macro and Micro Anatomy of the Respiratory System of Male and Female Muscovy Duck (Cairina moschata)

Abstract

Muscovy duck (China Hash) is one of the most popular breeds of duck in Bangladesh. Currently, there is a huge demand in the country. The purpose of this study was to distinguish the features of respiratory systems of both male and female Muscovy duck in gross and microscopic samples and to compare them with other avian species. Two adult Muscovy ducks (one male & one female) of one year age were collected from the local poultry market of Chattogram, Bangladesh, and were brought into the Anatomy lab of Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (CVASU). The ducks were sacrificed by avoiding pain and distress according to animal welfare standard guidelines and procedures and systematic dissection was performed. Different respiratory organs i.e. larynx, trachea, syrinx, and lungs were observed in situ and isolated. Sections were cut and stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) to observe microscopic structures. The study showed that the length of the larynx of male and female ducks was 2.5 cm and 2.3 cm, respectively. The length of the trachea of male and female ducks was 18 cm and 13.8 cm, respectively. The number of tracheal rings in the male Muscovy was 103 and the female Muscovy was 87. At the bifurcation of the trachea, there was a laterally swollen structure called the syringeal bulla in the male Muscovy duck. The syringeal bulla was a large bony swelling projecting from the left side of the trachea in male with 1.6 cm length and 1.4 cm width, while in female, it was not projected beyond the tracheal walls. The right and left lungs of both male and female Muscovy were symmetrical in size. The male lungs were larger than the female lungs. Research related to this species is few in number. Thus, this research will help the people of management and clinicians for disease diagnosis, treatment, increased production and monitor for the conservation of this species.