Gross Anatomical Features of Tongue of Khaki Campbell Duck (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus) At Different Postnatal Ages

The present study aims to investigate the gross morphological structure of the tongue of the khaki Campbell duck at different postnatal ages. The ducks were from four age groups (A total of 25 ducks): day one (1), one (1) month, two (2) months, three (3) months, and four (4) months, having five ducks in each group. The tongues were collected immediately after the ethical killing of the birds for gross anatomical observations. The tongue of the Khaki Campbell duck was located on the floor of the oropharynx. In all examined ages, the tongue did not extend to the total limits of the lower beak. The elongated shaped tongue was divided into three parts, i.e., apex, body, and root. The spatula-shaped apex of the tongue was smooth dorsally and devoid of lingual papillae. On the ventral surface of the apex, there was a flat, triangular, white plate of the lingual nail. The dorsal surface of the body of the tongue was divided into two symmetrical parts by a median groove, which became more prominent at the advancement of age. Large and small conical papillae were found symmetrically along both body edges. The root of the tongue was the smallest part which was located adjacent to the laryngeal prominence. Papillae were found on both sides of the root. A fold of membrane, the frenulum linguae present on the ventral aspect of the body. The length and width of the tongue increased with the advancement of age. The present study revealed the gross anatomical structure of the tongue of the Khaki Campbell duck at different postnatal ages and helped to compare the findings with other avian species.