Morphometery of small intestine of developing guinea fowl (Numida melagaris)

The present study was conducted on the small intestine of guinea fowl divided in to various postnatal age groups viz. group-I (day-1), group-II (days-7), group-III (days-15), group-IV (days 30), group-V days-120 and group-VI-(days-180). Various morphmetrical parameters of the small intestine viz. weight, length, thickness and diameter were observed from proximal, middle and distal portion of the segment. A significant increase in the weight of the duodenum, jejunum and ileum was observed from day 1 through 7, 15, 30, 120 and 180 days of post hatch life (0.05%). The length of duodenum increased significantly day 1 through 15, 30, 120 days and significant increase in the length, wall thickness and diameter of jejunum and ileum up to 30 day of the post hatch life. There was pronounced increase in the length of various segments of small intestine in early days i.e. up to 30 days of post hatch life which later became consistent. The relative growth rate in terms of length and width of different segments of small intestine in early post hatch life was suggestive of less differentiation and functional adaptation in the pre hatch period.