Macro and Micro anatomical studies on Oesophagus, Proventriculus and Gizzard of Pati Duck (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus) of Assam

The Pati duck population constitutes a major indigenous non-descript duck variety in the state of Assam. The annual egg production per Pati duck is70-95eggs. In the present investigation, six numbers of Pati ducks were utilized. The oesophagus, proventriculus and gizzard were collected immediately after death and anatomical studies were made on it. Grossly, the wall of the oesophagus contained some longitudinal folds which contributed to the distensibility of the oesophageal wall. The inner layer of proventriculus contained numerous glands. The inner layer of gizzard was covered by thick cuticle. Histologically, the lamina epithelialis mucosae of oesophagus were consisted of stratified squamous epithelium. Lamina propria-submucoase was composed of numbers of oesophageal gland as well as connective tissue fibers. The tunica mucosa of proventriculus of Pati duck was lined by simple coulumnar epithelium. Tunica submucosa was composed of connective tissue and proventricular gland which were pear or conical shaped. The tunica mucosa of gizzard of Pati duck was folded and lined by simple columnar epithelium. Lamina propria contained numerous tubular glands and connective tissue. Tunica muscularis of gizzard were composed of smooth muscles. The tunica serosa of oesophagus, proventriculus and gizzard were consisted of loose connective tissue and blood vessels.