Post Hatch Morphological Development Of The Meckefs Diverticulum In Broiler Chicken,:- Nnamuchi Chiebonam L

ABSTRACT viii Moiphological development of the MeckeFs diverticulum was investigated using histological techniques. Forty two day old broiler chicks were used for the study, The birds were raised in isolated deep litter pen. Samples for histological studies were collected from seven randomly selected birds at day 1, 7, 14, 28, 56 and 84 and processed using routine histological technique for H&E staining. Results showed that at day 1 post hatch, the wall ofthe MD was composed of the serosa, tunica muscularis, submucosa and the mucosa. The submucosa at this age showed a diffused accumulation of immature lymphocytes. From day 7 to 28 there was apparent increase in lymphocyte density in the submucosa. By day 56, there was preponderance oflymphocytes in the lamina propria submucosa of the diverticulum and typical encapsulated lymphatic nodule was equally observed. At day 84, numerous lymphatic nodules occupied the lamina propria submucosa. Typical encapsulated nodules were equally observed in the tunica muscularis. In conclusion, the present study has shown that the MD is basically a lymphoid organ not a mere ' anatomical structure