GUT-ASSOCIATED LYMPHOID-TISSUES OF DUCKS - DISTRIBUTION AND HISTOLOGY

The distribution and histomorphology of the gut - associated lymphoid tissues (GALT) were studied in ducks. GALT were found in the small int estine, Meckel's diverticle, caecum and in the terminal rectum. The Pe yer's patches (PP) in the small intestine were very distinct and found as annular bands. In the proximal caecum, a chain of prominent lympho id patches were found. Lymphoid compartments of the GALT were similar throughout the gastrointestinal tract. Histomorphologically, the GALT of the ducks were comparable to the chickens and mammals.