Comparative histological study of the preen of broiler and native chicken

This study was conducted on 40 adult Ross broiler and native chickens in both sexes. For histological study, uropygial lobes were removed and immediately fixed in 15% neutral formalin for 12-48 hours. The specimens were rinsed in running water, dehydrated in aggraded series of alcohol, cleared in xylol and embedded in paraffin wax; random sections of five micrometers thick were made, mounted on slides and stained with hematoxylin-eosin, Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS), Alcian blue (PH=1), Alcian blue (PH=2.5), PAS-Alcian blue, Masson's trichrome, Harts, Wilders, Sudan black B, oil red O stains. The sections were documented in Olympus microscope, model BX50, described and photography was done. The results showed that the all of the connective tissue fibers, smooth muscles, fat cells, Herbst corpuscles, blood vessels and nerves were present in preen capsule in which collagen fibers are classified into two well defined layers, an outer longitudinal and an inner circular layers. All of the connective tissue fibers and lymphatic aggregates were found in the intertubular intersititium of preen. Amount of capsular connective and adipose tissues in females were higher than male in the both species. The gland's parenchyma comprised of secretory tubules and ducts. The tubules were simple and arranged radially around the central cavity. The tubular epithelial cells are classified into germinative, intermediate, secretory and degenerative layers. Histochemistry showed that each lobe divided into two different zones, an outer sebaceous and an inner glycogen zones. Neither weakly acid mucopolysaccharides nor sulfated mucosubstances were observed in the glands. It was determined in both species that glycogen, glucoconjugated substances and neutral lipids are present in the both zones. Sudanophilic lipids were found only in the both zones in the preen gland of native chickens. Except further amount of adipose tissues in females and absence of sudanophilic lipids in broiler chickens, no histologic differences were observed.