Pathological and Immunohistochemical Examinations in Chukar Partridge (Alectoris chukar) of Wild and Captive Population

The aim of this study was to evaluate the health situation of chukar partridges through several diagnostic methods. We investigated a total of 224 birds in eighteen populations throughout Turkey, fourteen wild and four captive. The molecular sexing method was used for gender identification. Clinically, traumatic lesions and inflammatory reactions were the most commonly observed in the eyes and extremities of the Chukar Partridges in the breeding stations. At necropsy, the most common findings were enteritis and liver lesions. At the histopathological examination, pneumonia, anthracosis, and inflammatory changes in the digestive system were among the common findings. Interestingly, liver parasites were found in wild samples. At the immunohistochemical examinations, the tissues were evaluated for Marek's disease (MD), Adenovirus, Avian mycobacteriosis (AMB), and Aspergillosis. While MD and AMB were not found in breeding stations, we determined them from wild populations. Aspergillus was found in both wild and captive populations; Adenovirus antigens were found only in breeding stations. When the captive and wild populations were evaluated together, MD 1.3%, AMB 0.9%, Aspergillosis 1.3%, Adenovirus 1.8% were found. The relation between sex and diseases was also examined. As a result, the data of this study showed that chukar partridges from both breeding stations and wild populations are not an important source of diseases, but especially released partridges from breeding stations may carry some microorganisms. For that reason, captive populations should be regularly monitored for contagious diseases.(AU)

Comparison of Several Turning Frequencies During the Storage Period of Red-Legged Partridge (Alectoris rufa) Hatching Eggs

The effects of three egg-turning regimes during the pre-incubation storage period on egg weight loss, hatchability, embryonic mortality, chick weight at hatching and incubation length of red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa) compared with unturned eggs were investigated. Two hundred eggs were allocated to four 50-egg batches stored at 15ºC and 80% RH that being turned one, four and 24 times a day or remaining unturned, respectively. Eggs were incubated at 37.8ºC and 55% RH during the first 21 days and at 37.5ºC and 75% RH until hatching. Fertility was 70.5% and a good hatchability performance was obtained, characterised by 81.6% hatchability of fertile eggs, and weight losses of 0.78% during storage and of 10.04% during the first 21 days of incubation, 13.6 ±0.1 g hatchling weight, and incubation length of 23.45 ± 0.07 days (mean ± SEM). Hatchability, embryonic mortality developmental stage, egg weight loss during storage and incubation, hatchling weight and length of the incubation period were not affected by the turning frequency or the absence of turning during storage. Higher hatching synchrony was observed for eggs turned four times a day compared with unturned eggs and eggs turned once a day. In conclusion, turning red-legged partridge eggs during medium-term storage periods does not improve egg viability compared with unturned eggs.(AU)

Comparison of Several Turning Frequencies During the Storage Period of Red-Legged Partridge (Alectoris rufa) Hatching Eggs

The effects of three egg-turning regimes during the pre-incubation storage period on egg weight loss, hatchability, embryonic mortality, chick weight at hatching and incubation length of red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa) compared with unturned eggs were investigated. Two hundred eggs were allocated to four 50-egg batches stored at 15ºC and 80% RH that being turned one, four and 24 times a day or remaining unturned, respectively. Eggs were incubated at 37.8ºC and 55% RH during the first 21 days and at 37.5ºC and 75% RH until hatching. Fertility was 70.5% and a good hatchability performance was obtained, characterised by 81.6% hatchability of fertile eggs, and weight losses of 0.78% during storage and of 10.04% during the first 21 days of incubation, 13.6 ±0.1 g hatchling weight, and incubation length of 23.45 ± 0.07 days (mean ± SEM). Hatchability, embryonic mortality developmental stage, egg weight loss during storage and incubation, hatchling weight and length of the incubation period were not affected by the turning frequency or the absence of turning during storage. Higher hatching synchrony was observed for eggs turned four times a day compared with unturned eggs and eggs turned once a day. In conclusion, turning red-legged partridge eggs during medium-term storage periods does not improve egg viability compared with unturned eggs.

Effect of Breed and Caponisation on the Growth Performance, Carcass Composition, and Fatty Acid Profile in the Muscles of Greenleg Partridge and Polbar Breeds

ABSTRACT The aim of the study was to determine the impact of­ caponisation of Polbar (Pb) and Greenleg Partridge (Zk) breeds on the production performance, carcass composition, and the nutrient content and fatty acid profile in the breast and thigh muscles and abdominal fat. From 18 weeks of age to the end of the experiment, the Zk capons were significantly heavier than the cocks. The Zk capons had higher (p0.05) weight and share of breast and leg muscles. At 24 weeks of age, we noted an increase in the total content of n-3 PUFA and linolenic acid C18:3 in the breast muscles of the Zk and Pb capons. The content of PUFA and n-3 PUFA in thigh muscles and the n6/n3 ratio were reduced in the Pb capons at 24 weeks of age, compared with the Zk cocks. Caponisation of the Pb cocks had a beneficial effect on the final body weight, feed intake, and slaughter characteristics, in comparison with the non-caponised birds of this breed. A tendency towards an increased total share of PUFA and MUFA, a significantly higher content of n-3 PUFA, and a lower (p0.05) n-6/n-3 ratio were found for the breast muscles of the Pb capons. Both breeds are a good material for production of capons. The meat of the capons of both breeds exhibited a beneficial, higher PUFA/SFA ratio, higher n-3 PUFA and MUFA content, and a more favourable n-6/n-3 ratio.

Effect of Breed and Caponisation on the Growth Performance, Carcass Composition, and Fatty Acid Profile in the Muscles of Greenleg Partridge and Polbar Breeds

The aim of the study was to determine the impact of­ caponisation of Polbar (Pb) and Greenleg Partridge (Zk) breeds on the production performance, carcass composition, and the nutrient content and fatty acid profile in the breast and thigh muscles and abdominal fat. From 18 weeks of age to the end of the experiment, the Zk capons were significantly heavier than the cocks. The Zk capons had higher (p0.05) weight and share of breast and leg muscles. At 24 weeks of age, we noted an increase in the total content of n-3 PUFA and linolenic acid C18:3 in the breast muscles of the Zk and Pb capons. The content of PUFA and n-3 PUFA in thigh muscles and the n6/n3 ratio were reduced in the Pb capons at 24 weeks of age, compared with the Zk cocks. Caponisation of the Pb cocks had a beneficial effect on the final body weight, feed intake, and slaughter characteristics, in comparison with the non-caponised birds of this breed. A tendency towards an increased total share of PUFA and MUFA, a significantly higher content of n-3 PUFA, and a lower (p0.05) n-6/n-3 ratio were found for the breast muscles of the Pb capons. Both breeds are a good material for production of capons. The meat of the capons of both breeds exhibited a beneficial, higher PUFA/SFA ratio, higher n-3 PUFA and MUFA content, and a more favourable n-6/n-3 ratio.(AU)

Effect of Breed and Caponisation on the Growth Performance, Carcass Composition, and Fatty Acid Profile in the Muscles of Greenleg Partridge and Polbar Breeds

The aim of the study was to determine the impact of­ caponisation of Polbar (Pb) and Greenleg Partridge (Zk) breeds on the production performance, carcass composition, and the nutrient content and fatty acid profile in the breast and thigh muscles and abdominal fat. From 18 weeks of age to the end of the experiment, the Zk capons were significantly heavier than the cocks. The Zk capons had higher (p0.05) weight and share of breast and leg muscles. At 24 weeks of age, we noted an increase in the total content of n-3 PUFA and linolenic acid C18:3 in the breast muscles of the Zk and Pb capons. The content of PUFA and n-3 PUFA in thigh muscles and the n6/n3 ratio were reduced in the Pb capons at 24 weeks of age, compared with the Zk cocks. Caponisation of the Pb cocks had a beneficial effect on the final body weight, feed intake, and slaughter characteristics, in comparison with the non-caponised birds of this breed. A tendency towards an increased total share of PUFA and MUFA, a significantly higher content of n-3 PUFA, and a lower (p0.05) n-6/n-3 ratio were found for the breast muscles of the Pb capons. Both breeds are a good material for production of capons. The meat of the capons of both breeds exhibited a beneficial, higher PUFA/SFA ratio, higher n-3 PUFA and MUFA content, and a more favourable n-6/n-3 ratio.

Body Morphometry and Development of the Digestive System of Grey Partridge (Perdix Perdix) Depending on Age and Gender

The experiment used 100 grey partridges (Perdix perdix L.), which were reared first in confinement and later in aviaries. Partridges were lighter and had greater body dimensions at 36 weeks compared to 12 weeks except for trunk length. Older birds showed greater values (p>0.05) of compactness and lower values of massiveness and long-leggedness. Significant differences were found for keel length in females. At 36 weeks, male and female partridges had significantly greater total intestinal length, males had significantly longer small intestine and rectum, and females were characterized by significantly longer caeca and greater (p 0.05) intestine to body length ratio. Older birds had significantly greater gizzard weight and percentage and heart percentage (males and females), as well as significantly lower liver weight (males) and spleen weight and percentage. The present study provided information on the growth and development of farmed grey partridges before release into the natural environment.(AU)

Body Morphometry and Development of the Digestive System of Grey Partridge (Perdix Perdix) Depending on Age and Gender

The experiment used 100 grey partridges (Perdix perdix L.), which were reared first in confinement and later in aviaries. Partridges were lighter and had greater body dimensions at 36 weeks compared to 12 weeks except for trunk length. Older birds showed greater values (p>0.05) of compactness and lower values of massiveness and long-leggedness. Significant differences were found for keel length in females. At 36 weeks, male and female partridges had significantly greater total intestinal length, males had significantly longer small intestine and rectum, and females were characterized by significantly longer caeca and greater (p 0.05) intestine to body length ratio. Older birds had significantly greater gizzard weight and percentage and heart percentage (males and females), as well as significantly lower liver weight (males) and spleen weight and percentage. The present study provided information on the growth and development of farmed grey partridges before release into the natural environment.

Seasonal changes in hypothalamic gonadotropin inhibitory hormone expression in the paraventricular nucleus of chukar partridge (Alectoris chukar)

Gonadotropin inhibitory hormone (GnIH) as a hypothalamic neuropeptide inhibits the synthesis and release of gonadotropins via affecting gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons and could be a key neuropeptide in regulating seasonal breeding in birds. The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression of GnIH in the hypothalamus of male and female chukar partridges (Alectoris chukar) during the breeding and non-breeding seasons. In breeding (May) and non-breeding (January) seasons, the brains of sexually-matured male (n = 10) and female (n = 10) chukar partridges were removed following fixation. Sections (30 μm) were prepared from the entire diencephalon and stained immunohistochemically. GnIH-immunoreactive neurons were primarily found in paraventricular nucleus, and few positive neurons were detected in dorsomedial nucleus. The numbers of GnIH-immunoreactive neurons were significantly lower in the breeding season compared with the non-breeding season in both male and female (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the number of GnIH neurons in paraventricular nucleus between the sexes. Gonadal weight and volume in male and female partridges were significantly higher in the breeding season. The results showed that GnIH neurons may partly contribute to the regulation of the seasonal breeding in the chukar partridge.

Outbreaks of Mycoplasmosis and Histomoniasis in a southern Brazilian flock of ornamental birds

Background: Infectious diseases have expanded their host and geographic ranges, increasing impacts on both human and animal health. Mycoplasma gallisepticum usually causes avian chronic respiratory conditions and Histomonas meleagridis infects the cecum and the liver of poultry. Although these diseases have been reported in several bird species, information associated with their prevalence and impact in local flocks of ornamental birds is scarce. This communication describes severe outbreaks of mycoplasmosis and histomoniasis that affected a southern Brazilian commercial flock of ornamental birds. Case: The outbreaks occurred in an ornamental bird flock that contained 2,340 birds from 39 different species, distributed mostly in the orders Galliformes, Anseriformes, and Psittaciformes. Mycoplasma gallisepticum affected 12 chukar partridges, 12 Indian peacocks, 19 ornamental chickens and 46 individuals of 4 species of pheasant. The disease cases were distributed between April and July 2015. A total of 36 birds died due to the disease’ complications and most surviving birds suffered from severe ocular sequels, which determined their subsequent culling, despite attempts of different treatment protocols. The main signs included coughing, sneezing, infraorbital swelling, wasting, and death which were mostly associated with caseous sinusitis. Affected birds had positive samples when stained with anti-Mycoplasma gallisepticum immunohistochemistry and tested by Mycoplasma gallisepticum-Polymerase Chain Reaction. The application of 2 doses of a Mycoplasma gallisepticum vaccine in early 2016 to all the Galliformes in the flock reduced the annual prevalence to 4 clinical cases. Histomoniasis affected and killed 19 out of 27 chukar partridges that were being kept with ring-necked pheasants in the same enclosure. The disease occurred between September […]

Outbreaks of Mycoplasmosis and Histomoniasis in a southern Brazilian flock of ornamental birds

Background: Infectious diseases have expanded their host and geographic ranges, increasing impacts on both human and animal health. Mycoplasma gallisepticum usually causes avian chronic respiratory conditions and Histomonas meleagridis infects the cecum and the liver of poultry. Although these diseases have been reported in several bird species, information associated with their prevalence and impact in local flocks of ornamental birds is scarce. This communication describes severe outbreaks of mycoplasmosis and histomoniasis that affected a southern Brazilian commercial flock of ornamental birds. Case: The outbreaks occurred in an ornamental bird flock that contained 2,340 birds from 39 different species, distributed mostly in the orders Galliformes, Anseriformes, and Psittaciformes. Mycoplasma gallisepticum affected 12 chukar partridges, 12 Indian peacocks, 19 ornamental chickens and 46 individuals of 4 species of pheasant. The disease cases were distributed between April and July 2015. A total of 36 birds died due to the disease complications and most surviving birds suffered from severe ocular sequels, which determined their subsequent culling, despite attempts of different treatment protocols. The main signs included coughing, sneezing, infraorbital swelling, wasting, and death which were mostly associated with caseous sinusitis. Affected birds had positive samples when stained with anti-Mycoplasma gallisepticum immunohistochemistry and tested by Mycoplasma gallisepticum-Polymerase Chain Reaction. The application of 2 doses of a Mycoplasma gallisepticum vaccine in early 2016 to all the Galliformes in the flock reduced the annual prevalence to 4 clinical cases. Histomoniasis affected and killed 19 out of 27 chukar partridges that were being kept with ring-necked pheasants in the same enclosure. The disease occurred between September […](AU)

Seasonal changes in hypothalamic gonadotropin inhibitory hormone expression in the paraventricular nucleus of chukar partridge (Alectoris chukar)

Gonadotropin inhibitory hormone (GnIH) as a hypothalamic neuropeptide inhibits the synthesis and release of gonadotropins via affecting gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons and could be a key neuropeptide in regulating seasonal breeding in birds. The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression of GnIH in the hypothalamus of male and female chukar partridges (Alectoris chukar) during the breeding and non-breeding seasons. In breeding (May) and non-breeding (January) seasons, the brains of sexually-matured male (n = 10) and female (n = 10) chukar partridges were removed following fixation. Sections (30 μm) were prepared from the entire diencephalon and stained immunohistochemically. GnIH-immunoreactive neurons were primarily found in paraventricular nucleus, and few positive neurons were detected in dorsomedial nucleus. The numbers of GnIH-immunoreactive neurons were significantly lower in the breeding season compared with the non-breeding season in both male and female (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the number of GnIH neurons in paraventricular nucleus between the sexes. Gonadal weight and volume in male and female partridges were significantly higher in the breeding season. The results showed that GnIH neurons may partly contribute to the regulation of the seasonal breeding in the chukar partridge.(AU)

The effect of eggshell thickness on hatching traits of partridges

Incubation is an important factor in poultry production, particularly in species with relatively low fertility and hatchability rates. This study examined the effect of eggshell thickness on hatching traits of partridges (A. chukar). A total of 462 eggs from intensively reared partridges were separated into three groups according to eggshell thickness, which was measured ultrasonically before incubation. Hatchability, chick weight, and chick length were assessed at the end of the incubation period. Hatching times were recorded during hatching. Embryonic mortalities in unhatched eggs were classified according to mortality stage at the end of incubation. The effect of eggshell thickness on hatchability was found to be insignificant for all groups. Moreover, eggshell thickness had no significant effect on chick weight or length.

The effect of eggshell thickness on hatching traits of partridges

Incubation is an important factor in poultry production, particularly in species with relatively low fertility and hatchability rates. This study examined the effect of eggshell thickness on hatching traits of partridges (A. chukar). A total of 462 eggs from intensively reared partridges were separated into three groups according to eggshell thickness, which was measured ultrasonically before incubation. Hatchability, chick weight, and chick length were assessed at the end of the incubation period. Hatching times were recorded during hatching. Embryonic mortalities in unhatched eggs were classified according to mortality stage at the end of incubation. The effect of eggshell thickness on hatchability was found to be insignificant for all groups. Moreover, eggshell thickness had no significant effect on chick weight or length.(AU)

Comparison of Three Temperatures for the Hatching Phase in the Artificial Incubation of Red-legged Partridge (Alectoris rufa) Eggs

This study aimed at investigating the effects of three incubation temperatures during the hatching period on egg weight loss, hatchability, chick weight at hatching and length of the incubation period of red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa) under artificial incubation. One hundred and fifty eggs obtained from a red-legged partridge game farm were randomly allocated to three batches of 50 eggs each. Eggs were incubated at 37.8ºC during the first 20 days, and subsequently at 37.0, 37.4 or 37.8ºC until hatching. Fertility was 74.7% and a good hatching performance was obtained, characterized by 85.7% hatchability, 9.1% egg weight loss after 20 days of incubation, 13.8±0.1 g chick weight at hatching, and 23.2±0.1 days incubation length. Hatchability, egg weight loss after 20 days of incubation, and length of the incubation period were not affected by incubation temperature during the hatching period. However, hatching synchrony improved when the incubation temperature was increased from 37.0 to 37.8°C (p 0.05). Thus, hatching distribution became very leptokurtic and very positively skewed with the increase in incubation temperature during the hatching phase. In conclusion, higher hatching synchrony can be achieved in A. rufa when setting temperatures within the range 37.0 to 37.8ºC to incubate eggs during the hatching period. Consequently, incubation temperature management during the hatching phase may have a direct impact on hatching synchrony and hatchling management.

Comparison of Three Temperatures for the Hatching Phase in the Artificial Incubation of Red-legged Partridge (Alectoris rufa) Eggs

This study aimed at investigating the effects of three incubation temperatures during the hatching period on egg weight loss, hatchability, chick weight at hatching and length of the incubation period of red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa) under artificial incubation. One hundred and fifty eggs obtained from a red-legged partridge game farm were randomly allocated to three batches of 50 eggs each. Eggs were incubated at 37.8ºC during the first 20 days, and subsequently at 37.0, 37.4 or 37.8ºC until hatching. Fertility was 74.7% and a good hatching performance was obtained, characterized by 85.7% hatchability, 9.1% egg weight loss after 20 days of incubation, 13.8±0.1 g chick weight at hatching, and 23.2±0.1 days incubation length. Hatchability, egg weight loss after 20 days of incubation, and length of the incubation period were not affected by incubation temperature during the hatching period. However, hatching synchrony improved when the incubation temperature was increased from 37.0 to 37.8°C (p 0.05). Thus, hatching distribution became very leptokurtic and very positively skewed with the increase in incubation temperature during the hatching phase. In conclusion, higher hatching synchrony can be achieved in A. rufa when setting temperatures within the range 37.0 to 37.8ºC to incubate eggs during the hatching period. Consequently, incubation temperature management during the hatching phase may have a direct impact on hatching synchrony and hatchling management.(AU)

Physical characteristics of the eggs of red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa) reared in captivity / Características físicas dos ovos da perdiz vermelha (Alectoris rufa) criada em cativeiro

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar os efeitos da idade das fêmeas (um, dois e três anos) e do mês de postura (março, abril e maio) sobre as características físicas dos ovos da perdiz vermelha (Alectoris rufa) criada em cativeiro. O peso (W), o comprimento máximo (L) e a largura máxima (B) de 2878 ovos foram determinados diretamente, enquanto o índice de forma (B/L), o volume (V) e a superfície (S) foram calculados com base nos parâmetros determinados diretamente. A análise mostrou diferenças significativas (P<0,01) no peso dos ovos entre as diferentes idades e entre meses de postura, com menor peso nas fêmeas mais jovens. Observaram-se diferenças significativas (P<0,01) no comprimento do ovo entre as classes de idade, mas não entre os meses de postura (P>0,05). Observaram-se diferenças significativas (P<0,01) na largura máxima e no índice de forma do ovo entre as diferentes classes de idades, com valores mais elevados nas fêmeas mais velhas e no período de postura mais tardio. O volume dos ovos estimados por meio de V1= 0,51LB2e V2=0,913W foi afetado significativamente (P<0,01) pela idade e pelo mês de postura, bem como as áreas, S1=4.835W0,662, S2=4,951V10,666e S3=4,951V20,666, as quais apresentaram os mesmos efeitos.(AU)

Morfologia e morfometria do oviduto de codornas Nothura maculosa

This study was aimed at describing the quail oviduct. Twenty quails in the reproductive phase were used. Lengths of the infundibulum, magnum, isthmus, uterus, vagina, and the number of folds of magnum and isthmus were evaluated. For the histological study, fragments of the oviduct were collected, fixed in Bouin, destined to the histological routine and stained by Hematoxilin-Eosine technique. The infundibulum presented longitudinal and oblique folds, covered with ciliated, columnar pseudostratified epithelium, nonglandular cranially, and glandular, caudally. The magnum is the longest component (15.2cm), with mucous membrane covered with ciliated, columnar pseudostratified epithelium with goblet cells. The isthmus is a short segment with reduced folds, composed by histological structures similar to the magnum. The uterus is an area of folded wall, with reeled tubular glands. The vagina is a strait tube with thick musculature. The quail oviduct presented morphology similar to the chicken and the turkey.

Este estudo teve por finalidade descrever o oviduto de codornas. Foram utilizadas 20 codornas na fase reprodutiva. Avaliaram-se os comprimentos do infundíbulo, do magno, do istmo, do útero, da vagina e o número de pregas no magno e no istmo. Para o estudo histológico, coletaram-se fragmentos do oviduto, os quais foram fixados em Bouin, destinados à rotina histológica e corados pela técnica de Hematoxilina-Eosina. O infundíbulo apresentou pregas longitudinais e oblíquas, revestidas por epitélio pseudo estratificado cilíndrico ciliado não-secretor, cranialmente, e secretor, caudalmente. O magno é o componente mais longo (15,2cm), com mucosa revestida por epitélio pseudo estratificado cilíndrico ciliado com células caliciformes. O istmo é um segmento curto, com pregas reduzidas, compostas por estruturas histológicas semelhantes ao magno. O útero é uma região de parede pregueada, com glândulas tubulares enoveladas. A vagina é um estreito tubo com musculatura espessa. O oviduto da codorna apresentou sua morfologia semelhante ao dos galiniformes, como a galinha e a perua.

Morphometric study of Rynchotus rufescens testis throughout the year

The research aimed to study the morphologic variation of the testis, seeking to promote the selection and genetic control of those that present appreciable spermatic production throughout the year. Testis morphology of the Rynchotus rufescens partridge was investigated, analyzing the testis weight, the seminiferous tubules diameter, the thickness of the seminiferous epithelium, the amount of meiotic figures and the thickness of the tunica albuginea. Sixty male partridges were used, divided in 12 groups, and one group per month had the testis collected for the histological routine and the sections were stained using the Hematoxilin-Eosin technique. For the histological sections analysis, morphometric measures were taken, with the aid of an Image Analyzer and the resulting data were submitted to analysis of variance and to Tukey's test. Based on the histological modifications of the seminiferous epithelium and the morphometric analysis, the partridge testis morphology could be divided in four successive phases throughout the year. The reproductive phase occurred in the spring, characterized by the complete spermatogenesis process. The regression phase occurred in the summer, with the involution of the seminiferous epithelium. The rest phase took place in the fall, with spermatogonias presence and some spermatocytes beginning the meiosis. The phase of recrudescence occurred in the winter, with the recovery of the seminiferous epithelium and absence of spermatozoa. In conclusion, the characteristics analyzed revealed a variation over the year, with greater production of spermatozoa in the spring and less in the winter.

O trabalho teve como objetivo estudar a variação morfológica do testículo, visando promover a seleção e o controle genético de exemplares que apresentem produção espermática apreciável ao longo do ano. A morfologia testicular de perdiz Rynchotus rufescens foi avaliada, analisando o peso do testículo, o diâmetro dos túbulos seminíferos, a espessura do epitélio seminífero, o número de figuras de meiose e a espessura da túnica albugínea. Foram utilizados 60 machos de perdizes, divididos em 12 grupos, sendo que um grupo por mês teve os testículos coletados para a rotina histológica e foram corados pela técnica de Hematoxilina-Eosina. Para a análise dos cortes histológicos, foram realizadas medidas morfométricas, com o auxílio de um Analisador de Imagem e os dados encontrados foram submetidos à análise de variância e teste de Tukey. Baseado nas modificações histológicas do epitélio seminífero e na análise morfométrica, a morfologia testicular da perdiz pôde ser dividida em quatro fases sucessivas ao longo do ano. A fase reprodutiva ocorreu na primavera, caracterizando-se pelo completo processo de espermatogênese. A fase de regressão aconteceu no verão, ocorrendo involução do epitélio seminífero. No outono ocorreu a fase de repouso, com a presença de espermatogônias e alguns espermatócitos em início de meiose, já a fase de recrudescência da perdiz aconteceu no inverno, com a recuperação do epitélio seminífero e ausência de espermatozóides. Em conclusão, as características analisadas revelaram uma variação durante o ano, com maior produção de espermatozóides na primavera e menor produção no inverno.

Morfologia e morfometria do oviduto de codornas Nothura maculosa

This study was aimed at describing the quail oviduct. Twenty quails in the reproductive phase were used. Lengths of the infundibulum, magnum, isthmus, uterus, vagina, and the number of folds of magnum and isthmus were evaluated. For the histological study, fragments of the oviduct were collected, fixed in Bouin, destined to the histological routine and stained by Hematoxilin-Eosine technique. The infundibulum presented longitudinal and oblique folds, covered with ciliated, columnar pseudostratified epithelium, nonglandular cranially, and glandular, caudally. The magnum is the longest component (15.2cm), with mucous membrane covered with ciliated, columnar pseudostratified epithelium with goblet cells. The isthmus is a short segment with reduced folds, composed by histological structures similar to the magnum. The uterus is an area of folded wall, with reeled tubular glands. The vagina is a strait tube with thick musculature. The quail oviduct presented morphology similar to the chicken and the turkey.

Este estudo teve por finalidade descrever o oviduto de codornas. Foram utilizadas 20 codornas na fase reprodutiva. Avaliaram-se os comprimentos do infundíbulo, do magno, do istmo, do útero, da vagina e o número de pregas no magno e no istmo. Para o estudo histológico, coletaram-se fragmentos do oviduto, os quais foram fixados em Bouin, destinados à rotina histológica e corados pela técnica de Hematoxilina-Eosina. O infundíbulo apresentou pregas longitudinais e oblíquas, revestidas por epitélio pseudo estratificado cilíndrico ciliado não-secretor, cranialmente, e secretor, caudalmente. O magno é o componente mais longo (15,2cm), com mucosa revestida por epitélio pseudo estratificado cilíndrico ciliado com células caliciformes. O istmo é um segmento curto, com pregas reduzidas, compostas por estruturas histológicas semelhantes ao magno. O útero é uma região de parede pregueada, com glândulas tubulares enoveladas. A vagina é um estreito tubo com musculatura espessa. O oviduto da codorna apresentou sua morfologia semelhante ao dos galiniformes, como a galinha e a perua.