LYMPHATICS IN RELATION TO PEYER'S PATCHES IN INDIAN BUFFALO CALVES (Bubalm bubalis)*

Ileum of Indian buffaloes was described to have both dome projections of lymphoid follicles of PP's of submucosa into mucous membrane and non-dome areas (Lalitha, 1993). Non-dome areas of ileal mucosa were represented by typical villi with associated lamina propria where lymphatics commence as lacteals (Trautmann and Fiebiger, 1957; Dellman, 1981). There is paucity of literature on the distribution of lymphatics in the dome areas. The distribution of lymphatics in dome areas is necessary to understand the transfer of self and nonself antigens absorbed through the follicle associated epithelium (FAE) of dome areas, which serves as part of local immune system of gastro intestinal tract. Hence a study was done to elucidate the same as the first of its kind in Indian Buffaloes.