Abstract
The morphology of the small intestine was investigated in Muscovy ducklings before and after the hatching period using light micoscopy. The villi, crypt depth, villi: crypt (V:C) ratio, were measured in embryos on days 24 and 30 of development, on the day of hatching, and in neonates on days 2, 9 and 13 post-hatching. The height, width and perimeter (girth of villi) of small intestinal villi significantly increased with age (P < 0.05). Villi number (per transverse section of small intestine) decrease from 2 to 13 days post-hatching (P < 0.05). The crypt depth and width were significantly affected by age from hatching to 2 days of age (P < 0.05). The number of crypts increased significantly in the duodenum and jejunum between hatching and 9 days of age (P < 0.05). In the duodenum and jejunum, the V:C ratio peaked at hatching, and decreased from hatching to 2 days of age (P < 0.05). The parameters of villi and crypt of the small intestine rapidly changed between hatching and 9 days post hatch suggesting that the first week of life is a crucial step in physiological changes.
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