Radiological examination of the skull of Siirt-coloured mohair goat, Romanov and Hamdani sheep.

The skull is a vitally important complex structure formed by the combination of many bones. Craniometric studies are performed with various imaging methods to determine morphometric characteristics in animals. One of these methods is radiography. In our study, skulls of 14 Hamdani sheep, 20 Siirt-coloured mohair goats and 20 Romanov sheep breeds were used. Skull sections were taken with a computed tomography device and saved in DICOM format. Nine separate measurements and six index calculations were made from the images. In the study, firstly, the gender difference was ignored and the similarities and differences between the species were recorded. In addition, gender differences were determined statistically, without making any distinction between species. Correlation analysis was performed to compare measurement parameters between animal species. As a result of the study, the highest skull length (SL) and cranial length (CL) values were determined in the Siirt-coloured mohair goat. It was determined that the difference between Romanov sheep and Siirt-coloured mohair goat in CL parameter was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). In addition, a statistically significant difference was observed between the Romanov sheep breed and the Hamdani sheep breed (p < 0.01). The external length of the cranium (ELC) measurement parameter was found to have a statistically significant difference in three animals (p < 0.01). According to the results of the correlation analysis, the highest correlation value was determined between cranial width (CW) and CL parameters (r = 0.920). When the species difference was ignored, and the statistical difference of the internal height of the cranium (IHC) parameter was found to be significant between female and male animals (p < 0.05). In addition, it was determined that SL, CW and internal cranium index (ICI) parameters had a significant difference depending on sex (p < 0.01). It is foreseen that the obtained data can be used in sciences such as zoo archaeology, anatomy, surgery and forensic medicine.

Anatomical and morphometric study of goat middle ear ossicles (Capra aegagrus hircus) / [Estudo anatômico e morfométrico dos ossículos da orelha média de caprinos (Capra aegagrus hircus)]

The social and economic roles of goat farming in Northeastern Brazil, allied to the fact that the use of goat middle ear ossicles for research and human ear surgery training has not yet been proposed, justify the study of their applicability as an experimental model. The middle ears of 19 goats (Capra aegagrus hircus) from the bone collection of the Laboratory and Didactic Anatomy Museum of Domestic and Wild Animals of the Federal University of Vale do São Francisco (UNIVASF) were dissected. The malleus, incus, and stapes were evaluated regarding their macroscopic morphology and biometry (length, width, and height). Ossicle morphology was similar to sheep, human, and bovine morphology. The malleus was 1.3 times heavier and 2.2 times longer than the incus, and 9.0 times heavier and 3.7 times longer than the stapes. The size relationship was positive between the stapes and the malleus and negative between the stapes and the incus. It is concluded that the middle ear size and the anatomical similarities with human ossicles make goats a useful model for experimental scientific studies, reconstructive surgery practice of the ossicular chain, and human ear surgery training.(AU)

Tanto o papel social quanto o econômico da caprinocultura na região Nordeste do Brasil, somados ao fato de que o uso de ossículos da orelha média de caprinos para estudos e treinamento cirúrgico otológico humano ainda não foi proposto, justificam o estudo de sua aplicabilidade como modelo experimental. Foram dissecadas as orelhas médias de 19 caprinos (Capra aegagrus hircus), provenientes do ossuário do Laboratório e Museu Didático de Anatomia dos Animais Domésticos e Silvestres - Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco. Martelos, bigornas e estribos tiveram a morfologia macroscópica e a biometria (comprimento, largura e altura) avaliadas. A morfologia dos ossículos assemelhou-se a de ovinos, humanos e bovinos. O martelo foi 1,3 vez mais pesado e 2,2 vezes mais comprido que a bigorna e 9,0 vezes mais pesado e 3,7 vezes mais comprido que o estribo. A relação de tamanho entre o estribo e o martelo foi positiva, e entre o estribo e a bigorna negativa. Conclui-se que o tamanho da orelha média e as semelhanças anatômicas com os ossículos humanos tornam os caprinos um modelo útil para estudos científicos experimentais, prática cirúrgica reconstrutiva da cadeia ossicular e treinamento cirúrgico otológico humano.(AU)

CT appearance and measurements of the normal thyroid gland in goats.

BACKGROUND: Goats are increasingly being kept as companion animals, thus their owners expect advanced medical care, including modern diagnostic imaging. Computed tomography (CT) is now widely used in veterinary medicine, in both clinical practice and for scientific purposes. So far, the CT appearance of various body parts has been described in goats, but reports on thyroid gland CT are still lacking. The thyroid gland in goats may become enlarged due to dietary, genetic or neoplastic disorders. CT examination, as in other animals and humans, could aid in the diagnosis of thyroid diseases in goats and could be used for research purposes. The aim of the study was to present the CT characteristics of the normal caprine thyroid gland, in particular its dimensions, volume and density. RESULTS: Fifty-seven goats were included in the study. None of the animals had clinical, CT, post-mortem or histopathologic abnormalities in the thyroid gland. CT features of the thyroid gland were determined, such as dimensions, volume, density, location and shape. The presence of the thyroid isthmus and ectopic thyroid tissue was also assessed. The gland was visible in every animal as two homogenous, highly attenuating, well-circumscribed lobes located in the most cranial part of the trachea. The mean dimensions of the thyroid lobe were 30.3 × 12.7 × 6.7 mm, the mean density was 80.9 Hounsfield Units (HU) and the mean volume was 1.32 cm3 or 1.39 cm3, depending on the method used. Also, the internal parathyroid glands were visible in some animals. CONCLUSIONS: For the first time, the normal CT appearance of the thyroid gland has been presented. CT clearly shows the thyroid gland in goats and therefore can be used in clinical practice and for research. The results of the current study may serve as a radiological guideline for practitioners and may be the basis for further CT studies on normal and diseased caprine thyroid glands.

Changes in histology, protein expression, and autophagy in dairy goat testes during nonbreeding season†.

Seasonal reproduction contributes to increased chances of offspring survival in some animals. Dairy goats are seasonal breeding mammals. In this study, adult male Guanzhong dairy goats (10-12 months old) were used. Testis size, semen quality, hormone level, apoptosis of germ cells, and autophagy of Sertoli cells were analyzed in dairy goats during the breeding (October) and nonbreeding (April) seasons. We found that, during the nonbreeding season for dairy goats, semen quality, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, and testosterone levels were reduced, and the number of apoptotic germ cells increased. The proliferation with decrease activity of germ cells in dairy goat during the nonbreeding season was significantly affected. However, the testis size did not change seasonally. Interestingly, Sertoli cell autophagy was more active during the nonbreeding season. The expression levels of FSH receptor, wilms tumor 1, androgen binding protein, glial cell derived neurotrophic factor, and stem cell factor decreased in dairy goats during the nonbreeding season. In summary, our results indicate that spermatogenesis in dairy goats during the nonbreeding season was not completely arrested. In addition, germ cell apoptosis and the morphology of Sertoli cells considerably changed in dairy goats during the nonbreeding season. Sertoli cell autophagy is involved in the seasonal regulation of spermatogenesis in dairy goats. These findings provide key insights into the fertility and spermatogenesis of seasonal breeding animals.

Histological architectures and biometric characteristics of indigenously plastinated organs of goat / Arquitectura histológica y características biométricas de órganos de cabra plastinados localmente

SUMMARY: The histo-morphology and biometry of liver, lung and kidney of goat were studied. The obtained samples were divided into two groups. One set of tissue was processed for paraffin embedding after formalin fixation. The other set was indigenously plastinated. The plastinates were embedded with paraffin without deplastination. Both the non plastinated and plastinated tissues were sectioned and processed for routine staining. The tissues were examined under light microscope for histological architectures and quantitatively assessed the biometric parameters. The non plastinated and plastinated samples yielded mostly similar histological architectures. But plastinated liver showed alterations and artifacts with enlargement of the central vein and hepatic sinusoidal space. Plastinated lung revealed enlarged alveolar sac. Lack of nuclear clarity was observed for all the plastinated samples. The plastinated kidney revealed compactness of the cellular structures and shrinkage induced artifacts with clear renal corpuscles structure and obvious glomerular capsule (Bowman's capsule). The biometric measurements of central vein of liver, alveolar sac of lung, glomerulus and glomerular space of kidney of both plastinated and non plastinated tissue were also performed using calibrated stage micrometer. Comparison was done between the biometric data for both plastinated and non plastinated tissue. No significant difference was found in the obtained biometric data of liver and lung. Only a significant difference was observed between the width of glomerulus of non plastinated kidney and width of glomerulus of plastinated kidney. The morphological and biometric study of non plastinated and plastinated organs of goat can conclude that histological slides can be made from indigenously plastinated organs with well preserved histological architectures of the tissues with some rare exceptions. Plastination does not affect the biometric characteristics of the organs. In addition, the comparative morphologic and biometric study of plastinated and non plastinated organs of goat will be useful in education and research.

RESUMEN: En este estudio se analizó la histomorfología y biometría de hígado, pulmón y riñón de cabra. Las muestras obtenidas se dividieron en dos grupos: una cohorte de tejido fue procesada para su inclusión en parafina después de la fijación con formalina. La siguiente cohorte fue plastinada localmente. Tanto los tejidos no plastinados como los plastinados fueron seccionados y procesados para tinción de rutina. Los tejidos se examinaron con un microscopio óptico en busca de arquitecturas histológicas y se evaluaron cuantitativamente los parámetros biométricos. Las muestras no plastinadas y plastinadas produjeron arquitecturas histológicas en su mayoría similares. El hígado plastinado mostró alteraciones y artefactos con un aumento de la vena central y del espacio sinusoidal hepático. El pulmón plastinado reveló aumento del saco alveolar. Se observó falta de claridad nuclear en todas las muestras plastinadas. El riñón plastinado reveló compacidad de las estructuras celulares y artefactos inducidos por contracción con estructura clara de corpúsculos renales y obvia cápsula glomerular (cápsula de Bowman). Las mediciones biométricas de la vena central del hígado, el saco alveolar del pulmón, el glomérulo y el espacio glomerular del riñón de tejido plastinado y no plastinado también se realizaron utilizando un micrómetro de platina calibrado. Se realizó una comparación entre los datos biométricos del tejido plastinado y no plastinado. No se encontraron diferencias significativas en los datos biométricos obtenidos de hígado y pulmón. Se observó una diferencia significativa entre el ancho del glomérulo del riñón no plastinado y el ancho del glomérulo del riñón plastinado. En el estudio morfológico y biométrico de órganos de cabra no plastinados y plastinados se puede concluir que es posible hacer portaobjetos histológicos a partir de órganos plastinados naturales con arquitecturas histológicas de los tejidos bien conservadas, con algunas excepciones. La plastinación no afecta las características biométricas de los órganos. Además, el estudio comparativo morfológico y biométrico de órganos plastinados y no plastinados de cabra será de utilidad en la educación y la investigación.

Diferencias morfométricas en el hueso palatino de la oveja (Ovis aries) y la cabra (Capra hircus) / Morphometric palatine differences between sheep (Ovis aries) and goat (Capra hircus)

RESUMEN: Un hueso craneal muy poco estudiado en anatomía veterinaria comparada es el palatino. En nuestro estudio, realizamos la comparación de este hueso entre la oveja (Ovis aries L., 1758) y la cabra (Capra hircus L., 1758), a partir de una muestra de 36 y 17 cráneos respectivamente, y utilizando métodos de morfometría geométrica. Se eligieron un total de 32 puntos (4 hitos y 28 semi-hitos) para analizar la lámina horizontal del hueso palatino. Se reflejaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas tanto para el tamaño como para la forma. En Capra se denota una clara expansión lateral del hueso y rostral y una contracción central, con un acercamiento relativo de los forámenes palatinos, mientras que en Ovis los forámenes están más lateralmente alejados. A nuestro parecer, esta mayor anchura y longitud de la lámina horizontal en Capra se explicaría por una mayor capacidad de frotación del alimento en relación a Ovis.

SUMMARY: Palatine is a cranial bone very less studied in comparative veterinary anatomy. In our study, we performed the comparison of this bone between sheep (Ovis aries L., 1758) and goat (Capra hircus L., 1758), from a sample of 36 and 17 skulls respectively, using methods of geometric morphology. A total of 32 points (4 landmarks and 28 semi-landmarks) were chosen to analyse the horizontal lamina of the palatine bone. Statistically significant differences were reflected for both size and shape. Capra denotes a clear lateral expansion of the bone and rostral and a central contraction, with a relative approach of palatine foramina, while in Ovis foramina are more laterally distant. In our view, this greater width of the horizontal lamina in Capra would be explained by a greater capacity to rub the food compared to Ovis.

Anatomy of the skull of saanen goat: an anesthesiology and stereology approach / Anatomía del cráneo de la cabra saanen: un enfoque desde la anestesiología y la estereología

SUMMARY: The Saanen goat is known as the greatest milk producer among small ruminat breeds. However, its morphometric features still remain unclear. Therefore, the present work aimed to investigate the functional anatomy of the upper and lower jaws as well as the volumetric properties of the male and female Saanen goat for clinical applications. The heads of 20 adult animals (10 males and 10 females) were included. Totally, 22 morphometric parameters were measured on three dimensional computed tomographic images using RadiAnt DICOM Viewer software and some parameters were measured on hot macerated sample. The mean volume of paranasal sinuses as well as conchal sinuses were estimated using stereological method. Based on the results, the differences between males and females were not significant (p>0.05) in all desired parameters.The frontal and lacrimal sinuses were the largest and smallest paranasal sinus in both sexes. Also, the dorsal and middle conchal sinuses were the largest and smallest ones, respectively. The common nasal meatus was the smallest and ventral meatus was the largest meatus in the nasal cavity. In conclusion, these findings provide a basic data that would be useful in blocking terminal branches of the cranial nerves in this breed for surgical purpose or teeth injuries treatment.

RESUMEN: La cabra Saanen es conocida como la mayor productora de leche entre las razas de pequeños ruminos, sin embargo, sus características morfométricas aún permanecen sin revelar. Por lo tanto, el presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo investigar la anatomía de los huesos del cráneo y cara, así como sus propiedades volumétricas, en la cabra Saanen, tanto del macho como de la hembra con la finalidad de contribuir con las aplicaciones clínicas. Se incluyeron las cabezas de 20 animales adultos (10 machos y 10 hembras). Se midieron 22 parámetros morfométricos en imágenes de tomografía computarizada tridimensionales utilizando el software RadiAnt DICOM Viewer; algunos parámetros se midieron en muestra macerada en calor. El volumen medio de los senos paranasales y concales se estimó mediante método estereológico. En base a los resultados, las diferencias entre machos y hembras no fueron significativas (p> 0.05) en todos los parámetros deseados. Los senos frontal y lagrimal eran de mayor y menor volumen en ambos sexos, respectivamente. Además, los senos conchal dorsal y medio eran los más grandes y los más pequeños, respectivamente. El meato nasal común fue el más pequeño y el meato ventral el más grande en la cavidad nasal. En conclusión, estos hallazgos brindan un dato básico que sería útil en el bloqueo de las ramas terminales de los nervios craneales en esta raza, con fines quirúrgicos o tratamiento de lesiones dentales.

Gross Anatomy of Urethra and Penis in Uncastrated and Castrated Buck of Black Bengal Goat

SUMMARY: Urethral process, sigmoid flexure, urethra at the pelvic arch and neck of urinary bladder in goats are very much prone to form obstructive urolithiasis. The present study was carried out to establish baseline work on the normal measurement of the urethral passage and different segments of penis of uncastrated and castrated Black Bengal (BB) goat which will be supportive for obstructive urolithiasis management. Different segment of penis along with urethra of 25 uncastrated and 25 castrated male Black Bengal goats were collected from different slaughter house of Chattogram City Corporation. The length and diameter of male urethra and different segment of penis in uncastrated buck were significantly higher (p<.001) than castrated buck. The length of the pelvic urethra was 5.88 ± 0.111 cm and 4.58 ± 0.15 cm in uncastrated and castrated buck respectively. The length of the neck of urinary bladder; root, body, sigmoid flexure, glans penis and urethral process of the penis in uncastrated and castrated buck were 0.688 ± 0.156 cm and 0.38 ± 0.048 cm, 5.02 ± 0.09 cm and 4.24±0.10 cm, 23.48 ± 0.37 cm and 22.74 ± 0.43 cm, 9.2 ± 0.107 cm and 8.18 ± 0.29 cm, 1.92 ± 0.032 cm and 1.44 ± 0.10 cm, 2.32 ± 0.029 cm and 1.78 ± 0.07 cm respectively. The diameter of the neck of urinary bladder, root, body, sigmoid flexure, glans penis and urethral process of the penis in uncastrated and castrated buck were 1.94 ± 0.041 cm and 1.44 ± 0.05 cm, 3.7 ± 0.049 cm and 3.3 ± 0.144 cm, 2.63 ± 0.066 cm and 1.86 ± 0.08 cm, 2.77 ± 0.90 cm and 2.18 ± 0.07 cm , 1.81 ± 0.034 cm and 1.4 ± 0.06 cm, 0.66 ± 0.014 cm and 0.56 ± 0.05 cm respectively. Finally, total lengths of penis in uncastrated and castrated buck were 30.42±0.459 cm and 28.42±0.553 cm respectively. The length and diameter of the neck of the urinary bladder, root, sigmoid flexure, urethral process of the penis are clinically more important for obstructive urolithiasis.

RESUMEN: El proceso uretral, el ángulo sigmoideo, la uretra en el arco pélvico y el cuello de la vejiga urinaria en las cabras son muy propensos a formar urolitiasis obstructiva. El presente estudio se llevó a cabo para establecer un trabajo de referencia sobre la medición normal del pasaje uretral y diferentes segmentos de pene de cabra de Bengala Negra (BB) no castrada y castrada, que serán de apoyo para el manejo de la urolitiasis obstructiva. Se recolectaron diferentes segmentos de pene junto con la uretra de 25 machos de cabras de Bengala negras sin castrar y 25 castrados de diferentes mataderos de Chattogram City Corporation. La longitud y el diámetro de la uretra y los diferentes segmentos del pene en el macho no castrado fueron significativamente más altos (p <0,001) que en el macho castrado. La longitud de la uretra pélvica fue de 5,88 ± 0,111 cm y 4,58 ± 0,15 cm en animales sin castrar y castrados, respectivamente. La longitud del cuello de la vejiga urinaria; raíz, cuerpo, flexión sigmoidea, glande del pene y proceso uretral del pene en el macho sin castrar y castrado fueron 0,688 ± 0,156 cm y 0,38 ± 0,048 cm, 5,02 ± 0,09 cm y 4,24 ± 0,10 cm, 23,48 ± 0,37 cm y 22,74 ± 0,43 cm , 9,2 ± 0,107 cm y 8,18 ± 0,29 cm, 1,92 ± 0,032 cm y 1,44 ± 0,10 cm, 2,32 ± 0,029 cm y 1,78 ± 0,07 cm, respectivamente. El diámetro del cuello de la vejiga urinaria, la raíz, el cuerpo, el ángulo sigmoide, el glande del pene y el proceso uretral del pene en el macho no castrado y castrado fueron 1,94 ± 0,041 cm y 1,44 ± 0,05 cm, 3,7 ± 0,049 cm y 3,3 ± 0,144 cm. 2,63 ± 0,066 cm y 1,86 ± 0,08 cm, 2,77 ± 0,90 cm y 2,18 ± 0,07 cm, 1,81 ± 0,034 cm y 1,4 ± 0,06 cm, 0,66 ± 0,014 cm y 0,56 ± 0,05 cm respectivamente. Finalmente, las longitudes totales de pene en machos castrados y no castrados fueron de 30,42 ± 0,459 cm y 28,42 ± 0,553 cm respectivamente. La longitud y el diámetro del cuello de la vejiga urinaria, la raíz, el ángulo sigmoideo y el proceso uretral del pene son clínicamente más importantes para la urolitiasis obstructiva.

A morphometrical study on the skull of goat (Capra hircus) in Mizoram / Estudio morfométrico del cráneo de cabra (Capra hircus) en Mizoram

SUMMARY: The present study was designed to elaborate on the morphometry of the skull of non-descript goats in Mizoram state of India. The study was conducted on the skull of twelve (n=12) adult goats of either sex (n=6 males and n=6 females) collected from the local slaughterhouses. Altogether, forty-one different measurements were taken morphologically. In the present study, the cranial and facial bones were the major components of the skull with a total of thirty-two bones. There were three single and four paired cranial bones with a total of eleven bones. There were one single and the rest were paired facial bones with a total of twenty-one bones. The cranial bones were occipital, parietal, interparietal, sphenoid, ethmoid, frontal and temporal. The facial bones were maxilla, premaxilla (incisive), palatine, pterygoid, nasal, lacrimal, zygomatic (malar), vomer, turbinate, mandible and hyoid. The skull measurements showed that the skull of the goat was elongated and dolichocephalic as per the cephalic index (47.82±0.05). The length and width of the skull was 19.28±0.03 cm and 9.22±0.04 cm, respectively. There were two supraorbital foramina on both sides of the frontal bone. The prominent facial tuberosity lies dorsally to the third superior premolar tooth. Single infraorbital foramen was located dorsally to the junction of the first and second superior premolar teeth on maxilla bone. The orbits were round and complete and situated on a frontolateral oblique plane. It can be concluded that the findings of this study would assist the comparative studies with other domesticated animals in the future and would be applicable in clinical veterinary practice and even in zooarchaeology.

RESUMEN: El estudio fue diseñado para elaborar la morfometría del cráneo de cabras no definidas en Mizoram. El estudio se realizó en el cráneo de 12 cabras adultas 6 machos y 6 hembras recolectadas de los mataderos locales. Se tomaron en total 41 medidas diferentes morfológicamente. Los huesos craneales y faciales fueron los componentes principales del cráneo con un total de 32 huesos. Se encontraron tres huesos craneales individuales y cuatro pares con un total de 11 huesos. Encontramos solo un hueso facial individual, los otros 22 eran pares de huesos faciales. Los huesos craneales comprendidos en el estudio fueron: occipital, parietal, interparietal, esfenoides, etmoides, frontal y temporal. Los huesos faciales estudiados fueron: maxilar, premaxilar (incisivo), palatino, pterigoideo, nasal, lagrimal, cigomático, vómer, conchas, mandíbula e hioides. Las medicio- nes mostraron que el cráneo de la cabra era alargado y dolicocefálico (47,82 ± 0,05). La longitud y el ancho del cráneo fueron 19,28 ± 0,03 cm y 9,22 ± 0,04 cm, respectivamente. Había dos forámenes supraorbitales a ambos lados del hueso frontal. La tuberosidad facial prominente se encontraba dorsalmente en el tercer diente premolar superior. El foramen infraorbitario único se localizó dorsalmente a la unión del primer y segundo dientes premolares superiores en el hueso maxilar. Las órbitas eran redondas y completas y situadas en un plano oblicuo frontolateral. En conclusión, los resultados de este estudio motivarán y ayudarán a otros estudios comparativos con otros animales domesticados o en la práctica clínica veterinaria e incluso en zooarqueología.

Population differentiation in the body architecture of creole goats in the semi arid region of Chile / Diferenciación poblacional en la arquitectura corporal de cabras criollas en la región semiárida de Chile

The present study aimed to assess the degree of body architecture differentiation between Creole goats, two introduced breeds and their hybrids in semi arid areas of the north of Chile. The study was carried out between 2012 and 2015. One hundred and eighty five adult female goats belonging to 17 herds from the Coquimbo region were used. Ten animals of the Saanen breed and 10 animals of the Anglo nubian breed belonging to two hatcheries and 165 Creole and hybrid goats belonging to small farmers were measured. The animals were categorized into pure breed (20), hybrid (52) and creole (113). Eight body measurements were taken: head length (HL), head width (HW), longitudinal diameter (LD), bicostal diameter (BD), dorsal-sternal diameter (DSD), rump width (RW), rump length (RL) and whithers height (WH). Data were submitted to principal component analysis (PCA) and Fisher LSD test, using the XLSTAT-Pro Statistic software. The analysis indicated the existence of homogeneity subsets within the population, without a common architectural pattern for the entire population. The Creole biotype showed a smaller body architecture than the two breeds and hybrids with which it was compared, which could be an adaptative result. It is possible to assess that the Creole biotype has a differentiated body architecture with respect to the introduced goat breeds and the animals hybridized in different proportions. In addittion, it was observed that Creole goats maintain distinctive characteristics and they are differentiable even of the individuals with different degrees of hybridization.

El presente estudio tuvo por objetivo identificar si existe diferenciación en la arquitectura corporal entre caprinos Criollos, razas introducidas y rebaños hibridados con las mismas. El estudio se llevó a cabo entre 2012 y 2015 en la región de Coquimbo, Chile. Ciento ochenta y cinco cabras fueron estudiadas, pertenecientes a 17 rebaños distintos. Se midieron 10 animales de raza Saanen y 10 animales de raza Anglo nubian presentes en dos criaderos, y 165 animales Criollos e híbridos en predios de productores. Ocho medidas corporales fueron determinadas: longitud de la cabeza (HL), ancho de la cabeza (HW), diámetro longitudinal (LD), diámetro bicostal (BD), diámetro dorso-esternal (DSD), ancho de la grupa (RW), longitud de la grupa (RH) y alzada a la cruz (WH). Los datos de medidas se analizaron mediante análisis de componentes principales (PCA) y test LSD de Fischer con el programa estadístico XLSTAT Pro. Los resultados indican que las diferencias entre variables refllejan la existencia de subcojuntos de homogeneidad dentro de la población, no apreciándose un patron arquitectónico común para toda la población. De esta manera, el biotipo Criollo presenta una arquitectura corporal más reducida que las razas con las que se compara en este estudio, lo cual pudiera ser una respuesta adaptativa. En este sentido, es posible afirmar que el biotipo Criollo presenta una arquitectura corporal diferenciada respecto de las razas introducidas a la región y a los animales hibridados en distintas proporciones con dichas razas, con lo cual es posible observar que mantiene características distintivas y que es diferenciable incluso de distintos grados de hibridaje presente en dicha población.

Isolation and mass spectrometry based hydroxyproline mapping of type II collagen derived from Capra hircus ear cartilage.

Collagen II (COLII), the most abundant protein in vertebrates, helps maintain the structural and functional integrity of cartilage. Delivery of COLII from animal sources could improve cartilage regeneration therapies. Here we show that COLII can be purified from the Capra ear cartilage, a commonly available bio-waste product, with a high yield. MALDI-MS/MS analysis evidenced post-translational modifications of the signature triplet, Glycine-Proline-Hydroxyproline (G-P-Hyp), in alpha chain of isolated COLII (COLIIA1). Additionally, thirty-two peptides containing 59 Hyp residues and a few G-X-Y triplets with positional alterations of Hyp in COLIIA1 are also identified. Furthermore, we show that an injectable hydrogel formulation containing the isolated COLII facilitates chondrogenic differentiation towards cartilage regeneration. These findings show that COLII can be isolated from Capra ear cartilage and that positional alteration of Hyp in its structural motif, as detected by newly developed mass spectrometric method, might be an early marker of cartilage disorder.

Correlation of testicular ultrasonography, testicular biometry, serum testosterone levels and seminal attributes in pre and post-pubertal age for breeding soundness evaluation in Osmanabadi bucks.

The present research work entitled "Correlation of testicular ultrasonography, testicular biometry, serum testosterone levels and seminal attributes in pre- and post-pubertal age for breeding soundness evaluation in Osmanabadi bucks" was undertaken in 18 healthy Osmanabadi bucks from the Instructional Livestock Farm Complex, Bombay Veterinary College, Mumbai, Maharashtra. The body weight (kg), scrotal circumference (cm) and testicular biometry (cm) of post-weaning 18 Osmanabadi male kids was recorded every 15 days from weaning, i.e., 120 ± 10 days along with serum testosterone (ng/ml) by radioimmunoassay method at monthly intervals for the next 6 months. Semen was collected six times on the seventh month onward during post-pubertal age at 15-day interval from 18 bucks. The semen was evaluated for macroscopic and microscopic tests. The body weight increased from 14.45 ± 0.67 to 19.57 ± 0.70 kg from four to nine and a half months of age. The average daily body weight gain was 31.27 g. Maximum body weight gain was 01.19 ± 0.16 kg from 5 to 6 followed by 01.15 ± 0.16 kg from 4 to 5 months of age. The scrotal circumference increased from 17.22 ± 0.56 to 19.03 ± 0.55 cm from four to nine and a half months of age with maximum increased between 4 and 5 followed by 6 and 7 months of age. The testicular length, width and thickness of right and left testicles were recorded by ultrasonography method. There was increase in mean right and left testicular length, width and thickness from 5.25 ± 0.19 to 5.84 ± 0.18 and 5.49 ± 0.21 to 6.16 ± 0.20; 2.99 ± 0.12 to 3.32 ± 0.12 and 3.10 ± 0.13 to 3.44 ± 0.12 and 2.97 ± 0.12 to 3.16 ± 0.12 and 3.06 ± 0.12 to 3.31 ± 0.11 cm, respectively by ultrasonography, between four to nine and a half months of age. Testicular length, width and thickness gain was at maximum in 5 to 6 months of age. Left testicular length was more than the right testis. Before puberty, there was sudden gain in body weight, testicular length and width. However, scrotal circumference showed significant increase after puberty. Body weight had highest correlation with ultrasonographic left testicular thickness (r = 1) followed by scrotal circumference, ultrasonographic right and left testicular width, left testicular length, right testicular length and thickness and least by right testicular thickness (r = 0.95). The semen was thin to thick in consistency and average semen density was 3.10 ± 0.05. Average semen volume was 0.81 ± 0.02 ml, mass activity, initial motility, live and dead sperm count, abnormal sperm count and sperm concentration were 3.45 ± 0.13, 76.16 ± 1.16 and 75.16 ± 1.28% and 24.84 ± 1.28, 12.30 ± 0.50% and 2631.04 ± 45.74 million/ml, respectively in 18 bucks in six collection at 15 days. There was significant rise in semen volume, mass activity, initial motility and concentration at 8.5 months and live count, density at 9 months of age which indicates the age of sexual maturity is 8.5 to 9 months in Osmanabadi bucks. The body weight had highest positive correlation with mass activity (r = 98) followed by initial motility, live sperm count and total sperm concentration, semen volume (r = 76). The scrotal circumference had highest positive correlation with initial motility (r = 98) followed by live sperm count, total sperm count, mass activity, semen volume (r = 86). On the other hand, body weight and scrotal circumference were negatively correlated with abnormal and dead sperm count. The mean testosterone concentration increased from 0.02 ± 0.004 to 5.75 ± 0.80 ng/ml between four and half to nine and half months of age, respectively. There was significant rise (p < 0.01) up to 1.38 ± 0.28 ng/ ml at 6.5 months, i.e., age of puberty and up to 5.75 ± 0.80 ng/ml at 9.5 months, i.e., age of sexual maturity. Testosterone had highest positive correlation with testicular length followed by testicular width, length, body weight and scrotal circumference, mass activity, live sperm count, initial motility, while it had highest negative correlation with dead and abnormal sperm count. From the present research work, it was concluded that the scrotal circumference, testicular length, width and thickness increased with increasing body weight. Before puberty, there was sudden gain in body weight, testicular length and width. However, scrotal circumference increased significantly at post-pubertal age. So testicular length, body weight, testicular width in pre pubertal age and scrotal circumference post-pubertal age can be used as indicator for selection of Osmanabadi bucks for breeding purpose. On the other hand, the semen parameters should consider only after 8.5 to 9 months of age for selection of Osmanabadi bucks for breeding.

Shipping amphorae and shipping sheep? Livestock mobility in the north-east Iberian peninsula during the Iron Age based on strontium isotopic analyses of sheep and goat tooth enamel.

Animal mobility is a common strategy to overcome scarcity of food and the related over-grazing of pastures. It is also essential to reduce the inbreeding rate of animal populations, which is known to have a negative impact on fertility and productivity. The present paper shows the geographic range of sheep provisioning in different phases of occupation at the Iron Age site of Turó de la Font de la Canya (7th to 3rd centuries BC). Strontium isotope ratios from 34 archaeological sheep and goat enamel, two archaeological bones and 14 modern tree leaves are presented. The isotopic results suggest that sheep and goats consumed at the site were reared locally (within a few kilometres radius) during the whole period of occupation. The paper discusses the isotopic results in light of the socio-political structure of this period, as complex, strongly territorial societies developed during the Iron Age in the north-east Iberian Peninsula.

Parâmetros reprodutivos após indução de estro com diferentes intervalos de permanência do dispositivo vaginal em cabras Toggenburg acíclicas / Reproductive parameters after induction of estrus with different ranges of the vaginal device in acyclic Toggenburg goats

Este estudo objetivou avaliar o comportamento sexual e a dinâmica ovulatória de cabras da raça Toggenburg após a indução do estro com dispositivo intravaginal de progesterona durante seis, nove e 12 dias de permanência. No momento da inserção do dispositivo e 24 horas antes da retirada do dispositivo, foi administrado 5mg de dinoprost e 200UI de eCG, respectivamente. A dinâmica ovulatória foi acompanhada por ultrassonografia a cada oito horas, enquanto o estro foi observado a cada 12 horas. Todas as cabras apresentaram estro. O intervalo da retirada do dispositivo ao início do estro foi de 29,5 ± 9,6 para G6dias; 34,0 ± 6,0 e 32,4 ± 7,7h, G9dias e G12dias, respectivamente. Igualmente, foi encontrada diferença (P<0,05) entre o G6dias e os outros grupos. A duração do estro diferiu (P<0,05) entre o G6dias (36,0 ± 12,6) e os outros dois grupos (G9dias: 31,2 ± 14,3; G12dias: 33,4 ± 8,6). A taxa de ovulação (81%; 89,5% e; 71,4%), intervalo da retirada do dispositivo à ovulação (50,5 ± 11,4; 46,3 ± 5,9 e; 46,7 ± 8,3), diâmetro do maior folículo (6,6 ± 0,3; 6,6 ± 0,9 e; 6,9 ± 0,8) diâmetro do segundo maior folículo (6,4 ± 0,7; 6,6 ± 0,8 e; 6,8 ± 0,6) e o número de folículos ovulados (1,5 ± 0,6; 1,7 ± 0,6 e 2,0 ± 0,9) para G6dias, G9dias e G12dias, respectivamente, foram semelhantes (P>0,05). Todos os protocolos foram eficientes em induzir o estro sincronizado em cabras da raça Toggenburg, trabalhando em conjunto com a eficiência reprodutiva e produtiva desses animais.(AU)

This study aimed to evaluate the sexual behavior and the ovulatory dynamics of Toggenburg goats after induction of synchronized estrus by an intravaginal progesterone device for six, nine and twelve days. At the device insertion and 24 h before the device removal, 5mg of dinoprost and 200 UI of eCG was administered, respectively. The ovulatory dynamics was assessed by ultrasound every 8 h, while the sexual behavior was observed every 12 h. All goats showed estrus. The intervals from device removal to estrus were 29.5 ± 9.7, 34.0 ± 6.0 and 32.4 ± 7.7h to G6days, G9days and G12days, respectively. Iqually, it was found difference (P<0.05) among G6days and the other groups. The duration of estrus differed (P<0.05) among the G6days (36.0 ± 12.6) and the other two groups (G9days: 31.2 ± 14.3; G12days: 33.4 ± 8.6). The ovulation rate (81.0%; 89.5% and; 71.4%); the interval from device removal to ovulation (50.5 ± 11.4; 46.3 ± 5.9 and; 46.7 ± 8.3), the diameter of the largest follicle (6.6 ± 0.3; 6.6 ± 0.9 and; 6.9 ± 0.8), diameter of the second largest follicle (6.4 ± 0.7; 6.6 ± 0.8 and; 6.8 ± 0.6) and the number of ovulations (1.5 ± 0.6; 1.7 ± 0.6 and; 2.0 ± 0.9) for G6days, G9days and G12days, respectively, were similar (P>0.05). All treatments were effective for the induction of synchronized estrus in Toggenburg goats, working jointly with the reproductive and productive efficiency of these animals.(AU)

Investigation of some morphological traits of boer X hair F1 crossbred and pure hair goat kids raised in semiintensive conditions / Investigación de algunos rasgos morfológicos en caprinos de pelaje natural raza boer X cruzados y criados en condiciones semi-intensivas

SUMMARY: The aim of the study was to determine various morphological characteristics from birth to the age of 150th day of Boer x Hair goat F1 crossbred (BH) kids and pure Hair goat (HG) kids raised in semi-intensive conditions and reveal factors such as the effects of genotype, dam age, dam's live weight, year, birth type and sex on this parameter. This study was applied between the years 2011-2012 in Çatak in the Van region and between the years 2013-2014 at the Yuzuncu Yil University Research and Practice Farm. Various body measurements; wither height, back height, rump height, sacrum height, body length, chest length, chest depth, chest circumference, circumference of leg, cannon bone circumference, chest width, front-rump width, mid-rump width were determined 29.8, 28.4, 28.7, 26.2, 28.7, 17.0, 13.3, 30.4, 26.9, 5.2, 5.9, 6.0, and 8.7 cm at birth, respectively; 43.8, 43.8, 44.6, 40.6, 43.6, 22.2, 19.3, 51.7, 41.4, 6.6, 9.2, 9.3, and 11.3 cm at 60th day, respectively; 56.1, 53.4, 54.4, 47.5, 53.3, 27.3, 24.1, 61.4, 49.6, 7.3, 10.6, 11.1, and 13.2 cm at 150th day, respectively for BH kids; 27.3, 25.9, 29.3, 25.3, 27.1, 15.9, 12.3, 29.0, 21.3, 5.1, 5.0, 5.6, and 7.4 cm at birth, respectively; 40.4, 40.1, 42.9, 37.6, 40.5, 22.3, 18.4, 48.1, 36.4, 6.0, 7.9, 9.1, and 10.8 cm at 60th day, respectively; 50.3, 49.2, 51.0, 45.7, 50.4, 27.5, 22.9, 57.3, 43.4, 6.5, 9.5, 10.7, and 11.9 cm at 150th day, respectively for HG kids. When all of the data was considered, it was concluded that the BH kids are much better than the HG kids for both morphological and zoometric values.

RESUMEN: El objetivo del estudio fue determinar varias características morfológicas desde el nacimiento hasta la edad de 150 días en caprinos Boer x Hair goat F1 crossbred (BH) y Cabra pura (HG) criados en condiciones semi-intensivas y revelar factores tales como los efectos del genotipo, la edad, el peso vivo de la el tipo de nacimiento y el sexo entre otros. Este estudio fue realizado entre los años 2011-2012 en Çatak, región de Van y entre los años 2013-2014 en la Granja de Investigación y Práctica de la Universidad Yuzuncu Yil. Se estudiaron diversas medidas corporales: Altura del talón, altura de la espalda, altura de la grupa, altura del sacro, longitud del cuerpo, longitud del pecho, profundidad del tórax, circunferencia del pecho, circunferencia de la pierna, circunferencia del hueso del cañón, ancho del pecho, ancho de la grupa delantera y anchura media de la grupa, así se determinaron 29.8, 28.4, 28.7, 26.2, 28.7, 17.0, 13.3, 30.4, 26.9, 5.2, 5.9, 6.0 y 8.7 cm al nacer, respectivamente; 43.8, 43.8, 44.6, 40.6, 43.6, 22.2, 19.3, 51.7, 41.4, 6.6, 9.2, 9.3 y 11.3 cm en el 60º día, respectivamente; 56.1, 53.4, 54.4, 47.5, 53.3, 27.3, 24.1, 61.4, 49.6, 7.3, 10.6, 11.1 y 13.2 cm en 150 días, respectivamente para niños BH; 27.3, 25.9, 29.3, 25.3, 27.1, 15.9, 12.3, 29.0, 21.3, 5.1, 5.0, 5.6 y 7.4 cm al nacimiento, respectivamente; 40,4, 40,1, 42,9, 37,6, 40,5, 22,3, 18,4, 48,1, 36,4, 6,0,7,9, 9,1 y 10,8 cm en el 60º día, respectivamente; 50.3, 49.2, 51.0, 45.7, 50.4, 27.5, 22.9, 57.3, 43.4, 6.5, 9.5, 10.7 y 11.9 cm a los 150 días, respectivamente, para cabritos HG. Cuando se consideraron todos los datos, se concluyó que los cabritos BH son mucho mejores que los cabritos HG para los valores morfológicos y zoométricos.

Morphometric development of the vertebral segments of the vertebral column in the goat (Capra hircus) during the fetal period / Desarrollo morfométrico de los segmentos vertebrales de la columna vertebral en cabra (Capra hircus) durante el periodo fetal

Understanding normal fetal growth rates of the vertebral column, and between species, provide a basis to establish reference values for evaluation of body development and estimation of fetal age by ultrasonography. Goats are also widely used in biomedical perinatal research and are still considered a key to understanding the skeletal development. This study was carried out to clarify growth of length of vertebral column at segmental, regional, and total level of vertebral column in the fetal goats during different gestational age. The length of each vertebral segment of 25 goat fetuses, aged between 6 and 20 weeks were measured for each vertebra using a digital caliper. Our study demonstrated differences among various fetal ages in terms of regional, segmental, and total growth rate of the length of vertebral segments. With increase of fetal age, the relative length of vertebral segments of cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions diminished, whereas sacral and caudal regions increased in relative length. The thoracic vertebrae were the longest followed by cervical, lumbar, caudal, and sacral regions except at the oldest fetuses where caudal region became longer than lumbar region. Although the longest and shortest vertebral segments in cervical and lumbar regions were consistent among age groups, the trend of segmental growth of the vertebral regions was variable. Based on these detailed findings, the relative regional lengths of vertebral column were essentially different among fetal goats, humans, and neonatal rats. There is also a general trend of increasing segmental and regional initial growth and there is a relatively significant increase in growth rate caudally along the column during fetal period. This research yield important results that may be also useful for future orthopedic studies that contemplate the use of goat as a new model for the human spine.

Entender el crecimiento fetal normal de la columna vertebral entre las especies, proporciona una base para establecer valores de referencia en la evaluación del desarrollo corporal y la estimación de la edad fetal por ultrasonografía. Las cabras se utilizan frecuentemente en investigaciones biomédicas perinatales y son consideradas clave en el estudio del desarrollo esquelético. Este estudio se realizó con el objetivo de determiner el crecimiento de longitud de la columna vertebral a nivel segmentario, regional y total de la columna vertebral en cabras fetales durante diferentes etapas gestacionales. La longitud de cada segmento vertebral de 25 fetos de cabra, con edades comprendidas entre las 6 y 20 semanas se midió utilizando un calibre digital. Nuestro estudio demostró diferencias entre varias edades fetales en términos de tasa de crecimiento regional, segmentario y total de longitud de los segmentos vertebrales Con el aumento de la edad fetal, la longitud relativa de los segmentos vertebrales de las regiones cervical, torácica y lumbar disminuyó, mientras que las regiones sacras y caudales aumentaron en longitud relativa. Las vértebras torácicas fueron las más largas seguidas por las regiones cervical, lumbar, caudal y sacral excepto en los fetos más antiguos donde la región caudal se hizo más larga que la región lumbar. Aunque los segmentos vertebrales más largos y más cortos en las regiones cervical y lumbar fueron consistentes entre los grupos de edad, la tendencia de crecimiento segmentario de las regiones vertebrales fue variable. En base a estos resultados, las longitudes relativas de columna vertebral fueron esencialmente diferentes entre cabras fetales, humanos y ratas neonatas. También existe una tendencia general de aumento del crecimiento inicial segmentario y regional, como tambien un aumento relativamente significativo en la tasa de crecimiento a lo largo de la columna durante el período fetal. Esta investigación arroja importantes resultados que también pueden ser útiles para futuros estudios ortopédicos que contemplan el uso de la cabra como un nuevo modelo para la columna vertebral humana.

The Anatomy of Caprine Female Urethra and Characteristics of Muscle and Bone Marrow Derived Caprine Cells for Autologous Cell Therapy Testing.

Cell therapy is emerging as an alternative treatment of stress urinary incontinence. However, many aspects of the procedure require further optimization. A large animal model is needed to reliably test cell delivery methods. In this study, we aim to determine suitability of the goat as an experimental animal for testing intraurethral autologous cell transplantation in terms of urethral anatomy and cell culture parameters. The experiments were performed in 12 mature/aged female goats. Isolated caprine muscle derived cells (MDC) were myogenic in vitro and mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) population was able to differentiate into adipo-, osteo- and chondrogenic lineages. The median yield of cells after 3 weeks of culture amounted 47 × 10(6) for MDC and 37 × 10(6) for MSC. Urethral pressure profile measurements revealed the mean functional urethral length of 3.75 ± 0.7 cm. The mean maximal urethral closure pressure amounted 63.5 ± 5.9 cmH2 O and the mean functional area was 123.3 ± 19.4 cm*cmH2 O. The omega- shaped striated urethral sphincter was well developed in the middle and distal third of the urethra and its mean thickness on cross section was 2.3 mm. In the proximal part of the urethra only loosely arranged smooth muscle fibers were identified. To conclude, presented data demonstrate that caprine MDC and MSC can be expanded in vitro in a repeatable manner even when mature or aged animals are cell donors. Results suggest that female caprine urethra has similar parameters to those reported in human and therefore the goat can be an appropriate experimental animal for testing intraurethral cell transplantation. Anat Rec, 00:000-000, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Anat Rec, 300:577-588, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Effects of long-acting GnRH antagonist, degarelix acetate, on plasma insulin-like peptide 3, testosterone and luteinizing hormone concentrations, and scrotal circumference in male goats.

We recently reported that plasma insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3) concentrations increased soon after endogenous and exogenous stimulations of LH in male goats and bulls. However, the effects of LH suppression on INSL3 secretion are unknown in domestic animals. Here, we examined the effects of a long-acting GnRH antagonist (degarelix acetate; 4 mg/kg) on the secretions of plasma INSL3 and testosterone in two phases, an immediate and a long-term phase in male goats (n = 6; aged, 13-16 months). During the immediate phase, blood was taken at 15-minute intervals for 8 hours on Days -5, 0, and 3. The GnRH antagonist was administered after 2-hour sampling of Day 0. Moreover, a daily blood sample was taken from Day 0 to Day 7, followed by twice a week until 9 weeks and finally at week 10. The scrotal circumference was recorded before treatment and continued biweekly until week 10. Concentrations of LH, INSL3, and testosterone in plasma were determined by EIA and the pulsatile nature of secretion analyzed using pulse XP software. The mean concentrations, pulse frequency (per hour), and pulse amplitude (peak-nadir) of plasma LH and testosterone reduced from pretreatment to posttreatment Day 0 and Day 3 (P < 0.05). A decline in mean concentrations, pulse frequency, and pulse amplitude of INSL3 was exhibited on posttreatment Day 3 compared with pretreatment (P < 0.01). During long-term sampling, a decline (P < 0.01) in plasma testosterone and INSL3 concentrations was observed 1 day after treatment and remained lower until 8.5 weeks after treatment, and thereafter returned to pretreatment levels. A reduction in scrotal circumference was recorded 4 weeks after treatment and remained lower until 10 weeks after treatment (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the acute regulation of INSL3 by LH was confirmed by reduction of plasma INSL3 levels within 3 days after GnRH antagonist treatment in male goats. Although the onset of suppression of testosterone was more rapid than that of INSL3, the low levels persisted for 8.5 weeks for both hormones, and subsequently the concentrations returned to pretreatment levels. A significant reduction in testicular size was also observed. The quick, long-lasting, and transient suppression of testosterone and INSL3 after a single injection implies a potential application of this antagonist in reversible long-term chemical castration in male goats.

Gross, histologic, and computed tomographic characterization of nonpathological intrascleral cartilage and bone in the domestic goat (Capra aegagrus hircus).

OBJECTIVE: To characterize grossly, histologically, and via computed tomography (CT) the appearance of intrascleral cartilage, bone, or both in domestic goats with otherwise normal eyes and to correlate this with age, sex, and breed. ANIMALS STUDIED: Sixty-eight domestic goats (89 eyes). PROCEDURES: Forty-nine formalin-fixed globes from 38 goats underwent high-resolution CT, and gross and light microscopic examination. An additional 40 eyes from 30 goats underwent light microscopy only. Age, breed, and sex of affected goats were retrieved from medical records. RESULTS: Considering all methods of evaluation collectively, cartilage was detected in 42% of eyes (44% of goats) and bone in 11% of eyes (12% of goats); bone was never seen without cartilage. Goats in which bone, cartilage, or both were detected ranged from 0.25 to 13 (median = 3.5) years of age, represented 11 of 12 breeds of the study population, and had a male:female ratio of 11:19. Bone was detected in the eyes of significantly more males (n = 8) than females (n = 2). No sex predilection was noted for cartilage alone. Histology revealed intrascleral chondrocyte-like cells, hyaline cartilage, and islands of lamellar bone. Some regions of bone had central, adipose-rich, marrow-like cavities. CT localized mineralized tissue as adjacent to or partially surrounding the optic nerve head. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of intrascleral bone or cartilage in a normal goat and of intrascleral bone in an otherwise normal mammal. The high prevalence of intrascleral cartilage and bone in this study suggests that this finding is normal and likely represents an adaptation in goats.

Morphology and Aquaporin Immunohistochemistry of the Uterine Tube of Saanen Goats (Capra hircus): Comparison Throughout the Reproductive Cycle.

The expression of six different aquaporins (AQP1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 9), integral membrane water channels that facilitate bi-directional passive movement of water, was investigated by immunohistochemistry in the uterine tube of pre-pubertal and adult Saanen goats (Capra hircus), comparing the different phases of the oestrous cycle. Regional morphology and secretory processes were markedly different during the goat oestrous cycle. The tested AQP molecules showed different expression patterns in comparison with already studied species. AQP1-immunoreactivity was evidenced at the endothelium of blood vessels and in nerve fibres, regardless of the tubal tract and cycle period. AQP4-immunoreactivity was shown on the lateral plasmalemma in the basal third of the epithelial cells at infundibulum and ampulla level in the cycling goats, more evidently during follicular than during luteal phase. No AQP4-immunoreactivity was noticed at the level of the isthmus region, regardless of the cycle phase. AQP5-immunoreactivity, localized at the apical surface of epithelial cells, increased from pre-puberty to adulthood. Thereafter, AQP5-immunoreactivity was prominent during the follicular phase, when it strongly decorated the apical plasmalemma of all epithelial cells at ampullary level. During luteal phase, immunoreactivity was discontinuous, being weak to strong at the apex of the secretory cells protruding into the lumen. In the isthmus region, the strongest AQP5-immunoreactivity was seen during follicular phase, with a clear localization in the apical plasmalemma of all the epithelial cells and also on the lateral plasmalemma. AQP2, 3 and 9 were undetectable all along the goat uterine tube. Likely, a collaboration of different AQP molecules sustains the fluid production in the goat uterine tube. AQP1-mediated transudation from the blood capillaries, together with permeation of the epithelium by AQP4 in the basal rim of the epithelial cells and final intervening of apical AQP5, could be involved in fluid production as well as in secretory processes.