Body Systems

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Birds, like all vertebrates, consist of a number of systems, each operating independently or with each other to provide for the normal activity and functioning of the animal as a whole. The major systems are:

Integumentary (surface of the bird)

The integumentary system consists of the skin, the feathers and the appendages (claws and beak). The skin covers the majority of the body and contains glands in the outer ear... read more

Skeletal System

The skeletal system provides the strong framework for the support and protection of the remainder of the systems, organs and tissues making up the body of the fowl. There have... read more

Embryology of the chicken

The embryology of the chicken is the development of the chicken inside of the egg. Hatchery managers need to be able to differentiate between normal and abnormal embryos and identify possible... read more

Circulatory system

The circulatory system is responsible for the transport of the various essential compounds and other factors around the body, as well as the removal of the metabolic wastes that accumulate in the... read more

Digestive system

The digestive system in the domestic fowl is very simple but efficient when compared to many other species like cattle. In the process of evolution, those avian species that developed... read more

Endocrine system

The endocrine system consists of a number of organs (glands) located in different areas of the body which play an important part in the proper functioning of the animal. The... read more

Excretory system

The excretory system in the domestic fowl consists of the two kidneys, each with a ureter that carries the urine produced by the kidneys to the cloaca where it leaves... read more

Immune system

Fowls, like all animals, have very strong, built-in defences (immunity) against diseases caused by invasion of the body by various microorganisms and toxins (collectively called ‘antigens’). These defences include: The... read more

Metabolic system

Metabolism is the term used to describe the many chemical reactions that are involved in the utilisation of nutrients in the body. If these reactions are investigated more closely, it... read more

Muscular system

The muscular system provides the mechanical activity for the animal in the form of mobility of the different parts of the skeleton or its appendages, the movement of materials along... read more

Nervous systems & important sensory organs

The nervous system and the important sensory organs play a key role in the day-to-day functioning of the animal. The nervous system integrates and controls the various functions of the... read more

Respiratory system & thermoregulation

The respiratory system is one of the major systems of the body. It has a number of very important functions including the provision of oxygen, the removal of carbon dioxide,... read more

Reproductive system

The avian reproductive system is heterosexual and requires both a male and a female, each to contribute half of the genetic constitution of the offspring. The male contributes his half... read more