Morphological Studies on the Upper Beak of Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo)

Abstract

This study was carried out to provide a detailed description about the upper beak of turkey, regarding its gross anatomical, light and scanning electron microscopic morphology. The upper beak extends in a hook like infront of the lower beak. It measures 53.80 mm long. The height and width of the upper beak increase caudalwards. SEM shows that the tip and the lateral sides of the upper beak are covered with numerous flakes of keratin. At the free tip of the beak, these keratinized flakes have an irregular appearance which may be due to desquamation of the epithelium during manipulation of foods. Immediately in front of the angle of the mouth, the lateral edge of the upper beak is characterized by the presence of transverse furrows which giving it a serrated appearance. The upper beak of the turkey consists of a bony support covered by dermal and epidermal layers.