Comparative Morphological and Histochemical Studies on Major Flight Muscles of Domestic Fowl (Gallus gallus domesticus), Guinea Fowl (Numida maleagris) and Pigeon (Culumba livia domesticus)

Abstract

Gross morphology, gross morphometry, histology and histochemistry of major flight muscles in domestic fowl, guinea fowl and pigeon were conducted on fifteen birds (five birds each; domestic fowl, guinea fowl and pigeon) obtained from Sokoto metropolitan market. The birds were weighed, dissected and eviscerated after which the comparative gross anatomy and histological studies were carried out. The length, width and weight of the major flight muscles were measured using ruler, measuring tape and weighing balance respectively. Tissue samples were taken from the middle parts of the pectoralis and supracoracoideus muscles. After fixation in Bouin's solution, sections were prepared using routine histological techniques. Tissue samples were stained using Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) and Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS). Results showed that the mean weight, mean length and mean width of the pectoralis muscle in domestic fowl were 40.12±3.25g, 15.25±0.32cm and 6.32±0.11cm respectively. In guinea fowl they were 83.37±4.73g, 16.45±0.16cm and 8.67±0.11cm respectively while in pigeon they were 23.25±1.30g, 9.5±0.025cm and 5.55±0.02cm respectively. The relative indexes of the pectoralis muscle were 6 %, 13% and 18% in domestic fowl, guinea fowl and pigeon respectively. While the total flight muscle mass were 70%, 77% and 84% in domestic fowl, guinea fowl and pigeon respectively. It was concluded that since 21.6% of the pigeon weight was breast muscle, it indicated that the pigeon is a powerful flier. Also, since 8.6% of the domestic fowl weight was the breast muscle; it indicated that the domestic fowl is not a powerful flier.