Morphometric Analysis of the Ciliary Ganglion in the Domestic Turkey (Meleagris Gallopavo F. Domestica) and Domestic Duck (Anas Platyrhynchos F. Domestica)

Abstract

The research was performed on 16 one-year-old domestic turkeys of Beltsville race and 16 domestic ducks of the Pekinese race, of both sexes. Standard histological technique was used and morphometric analysis was performed using histological samples. Ciliary ganglion morphometric analysis revealed the presence of two cell populations of ganglionic neurocytes: choroid and ciliary cells, clearly differing in diameter. Ciliary cells were predominant in turkeys, whereas choroid cells in ducks. The statistical analysis showed that the diameter and surface area of ganglionic neurocytes, the diameter and cross sectional area through the ciliary ganglion, as well as, the number of ganglionic cells on the cross-section through the ganglion were significantly larger (P<0.001) in turkeys than in ducks. The difference in the number of choroid and ciliary cells in domestic turkey and domestic duck is probably connected with eye accommodation, which seems to be greater in turkeys.

Analysis of Anasplatyrhynchos genome resequencing data reveals genetic signatures of artificial selection

“…Ducks ( Anasplatyrhynchos ) dissociated from chickens, zebra finches, and turkeys approximately 90–100 million years ago [14]. Ducks display great differences in morphology [15], physiology [16], and behavior [17] comparing to chickens, zebra finches, and turkeys due to a long period of differentiation selection. In addition, remarkable changes induced by natural and/or artificial selection have occurred in domesticated duck breeds compared to their wild ancestor (mallard) [18].…”