INFLUENCE OF AGE AND BODY WEIGHT ON THE BURSA OF FABRICIUS IN WHITE PEKIN DUCKLINGS

Abstract

A study was conducted using 51 White Pekin ducklings from day old to 155 days to ascertain the influence of age and body weight on the bursa of ducklings. A multiple regression fit was applied to the data. Simple as well as partial correlation coefficient between the different factors were calculated and tested for significance. A greater percentage of the total variation in bursa weight was accounted for by body weight when age of the bird was kept constant. An inference was drawn that heavier birds of a particular age will tend to have heavier bursae, suggesting increased disease resistance capacity of the birds.