Mineralization in the syrinx and caudal tracheal rings in the ostrich

Abstract

This study documented macroscopic and microscopic features and mineralization of the caudally located tracheal rings and syrinx in two ostrich (struthio camelus) having three years of age. The syrinx and trachea of the birds were stained in toto with alcian blue and alizarin red for cartilage and mineralization. Observations on the syrinx and trachea, measurements and photography were performed under stereo-microscopy. They were stained grossly using alizarin red and alcian blue to visualize mineralization and histologically by hemotoxylin and eosin (H&E) to detect ossification areas, if any. Results revealed incomplete tracheal rings located caudally in-between the intact ones. Alizarin red and alcian blue staining displayed mineralized regions grossly. Histological slides by H&E staining showed no ossification. Overall results proposed that alizarin red and alcian blue double staining is a good toll to determine mineralization which is calcium accumulation in the tissue before the formation of bone cells.