Post-hatch changes in the histological structure of the oviduct and associated 17β-estradiol profiles in guinea hens (Numida meleagris)

Abstract

There are limited data available on the biology of guinea fowls. The objective of this study was to document post-hatch histological and stereological changes in the oviducts of 56 guinea hens and associated 17β-estradiol profiles until 32 weeks of age and to explore changes in the oviducal mucosal fold as an index of oviducal growth. Mucosal folds in all regions of the oviduct increased significantly ( P < 0.0001) from 4 to 28 weeks of age. Concentrations of plasma 17β-estradiol increased from 20 to 28 weeks of age, when it stabilized. Mucosal folds in the oviducts of sexually active hens were highest in the uterine region and lowest in the infundibular lip. Intercorrelations among 17β-estradiol concentration, height of mucosal folds, and oviducal weight were strong and positive in these birds. Most of the oviduct epithelium consisted of pseudostratified columnar ciliated epithelium. Both the height of oviducal folds and peripheral estradiol concentrations increased significantly from 20 to 28 weeks of age, which confirms the role of estradiol in oviducal growth in the avian species. The height of oviducal mucosal folds appears to be a good measure of oviducal growth.