Macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of uropygial gland of budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus)

Abstract

Objective: This study was carried out to investigate the anatomical, morphometric, topographic, and histological features of the uropygial gland in adult male and female budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus). Material-Method: For this study, the glandula uropygialis of fourteen adult budgerigars (7 male, 7 female) were used in the study. This glandular structure located between the caudal vertebrae and pygostyle was removed by careful dissection. Morphological and histological characteristics of the dissected glandula uropygialis were determined. In addition, morphometric measurements and index calculations were performed. Tissue samples taken to determine the histological structure of the gland were stained with Hematoxylin & Eosin (H&E), Masson Trichrome's and Periodic Acid Schiff-Alcian Blue. Result: In the study, it was determined that the gland structure was heart shaped and consisted of two lobes, a papilla and a draining duct system. Uropygial gland weight was determined as 1.57±0.96 g in male birds and 1.52±0.09 g in female birds. As a result of the statistical evaluation, there were significant differences between the sexes in the parameters of lobe width (P<0.05), papilla length and papilla width (P<0.01). Also, the GULI value had a statistically significant difference (P<0.05). Histological examination revealed that the gland had a two-lobed structure surrounded by a capsule composed of connective tissue. It was determined that the gland had a tubuloalveolar-holocrine structure and the epithelial layer consisted of cellular layers as germinative layer, intermediate layer, secretory layer and degenerative layer from the periphery to the centre. Conclusion: As a result of the study, it was determined that the morphological and histological structure of the uropygial gland in budgerigars showed similarities with other bird species as well as showing certain species-specific differences in general.

Keywords

• Morphology
• Anatomy
• Histology
• Budgerigar
• Uropygial gland

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