Vol. 7, Issue 10 (2018)

Author(s):
Alphine Joseph, KM Lucy, S Maya, KB Sumena and C Sunanda

Abstract:
The present study was undertaken to compare the morphology of the skin of broiler and Kuttanad ducks. Skin samples were collected from a total of 24 birds comprising six males and females, respectively in each group. All the birds under study showed quite similar structural characteristics of thin skin. Among broiler and Kuttanad ducks, mean body weight and gross mean weight of the skin showed no significant difference. The thickness varied considerably in different regions of the body. Maximum thickness was noticed in ventral abdominal region and minimum at the ventral wing region in both groups. Number of feather follicles per square centimetre area was less in regions with large feathers and more in regions with small feathers. Since ducks are semi-aquatic birds, a greater thickness of the skin in the ventral regions of the body is considered as an adaptation to resist heat dissipation.