MORPHOLOGICAL AND HISTOLOGICAL FEATURES OF THE BURSA OF FABRICIUS FROM NON-VACCINATED ONE MONTH OLD FEMALE GAMEFOWL CHICKS FROM HYPERIMMUNIZED BREEDERS

Abstract

The bursa of Fabricius of chickens plays an important role in early immunity, providing B lymphocytes that produce antibodies to neutralize pathogenic organisms, such as viruses and bacteria to protect the body from detrimental effects. This study aimed to determine the normal morphological and histological parameters of the bursa of Fabricius in a month old female gamefowl chicks coming from hyperimmunized breeders. The study utilized 25 gamefowl chicks from ve different gamefowl farms. The results of the study across farms, show normal and uniformity of values for both morphology and histology; threshold values were obtained for each parameter and a strong positive linear relationship was observed between the weight of the chicken and the bursa of Fabricius. Immune and protective competency of the bursa started at four weeks in gamefowls. The results suggest that vaccination can be postponed up to four weeks old in case of gamefowls coming from hyperimmunized breeders.