Radiological and Histological Assessment of the Ossification Centers of Pectoral Limb in Quail

BACKGROUND: The growth and differentiation of skeletal pectoral limb girdle, wing and the ossification centers in these regions after hatching were investigated in some groups of quails. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the age of physical maturity and radiological and histological assessment of the ossification centers of pectoral limb in quail. METHODS: 14 quails after hatching were reared in similar and standard conditions and sampled once every 7 to 90 days. RESULTS: According to radiological and histological results, differentiation of the wing in quail commences with the appearance of centers of undeveloped cartilages in diaphyseal humerus, radius, and ulna at the end of 7 days, and also carpal regions at the beginning of the 14 days. The growth sequence in humerus, radius, ulna, carpus, metacarpus, and digits are observed in various stages that the high growth is related to the maximum cartilaginous activity and their ossification stages and humerus keeps its growth connection constant with the length of the whole wing skeletal, although its growth scale lessens after the 21st day. The histological results were evaluated based on prepared tissue sample from the proximal humeral portion. Lack of bone marrow was observed in the all 1st day`s tissue samples and bone marrow conformation was commenced after 7th day. The growth plate was not observed in all the samples and this issue is complementary to the information obtained from radiographic examination. CONCLUSIONS: According to this study, time, which could be as the completion of the ossification process and the formation of all parts of the pectoral limb girdle and wing is 70 days after hatching.