Qualitative and quantitative analysis of goat ovaries, follicles and oocytes in view of in vitro production of embryos

Goat ovaries were collected from the slaughterhouse and categorized as right, left, corpus luteum (CL)-present and -absent group and evaluated on the basis of weight (g), length (cm), width (cm), number of follicles, follicles aspirated and number and state of cumulus-oocyte-complexes (COCs). Comparatively higher weight [(0.66+/-0.02) vs (0.64+/-0.02) g], length [(1.17+/-0.02) vs (1.11+/-0.02) cm] and width [(0.77+/-0.02) vs (0.74+/-0.02) cm] were found in right ovaries than those of left. On the other hand significantly (P<0.05) higher weight [(0.71+/-0.03) vs (0.64+/-0.01) g] and width [(0.76+/-0.03) vs (0.75+/-0.01) cm] were found in CL-present group than those of CL-absent group of ovaries. The left ovaries contained comparatively higher number of normal COCs [(1.06+/-0.09) per ovary] than right ovaries [(1.03+/-0.10) per ovary] and the similar trend was found in total number of follicles [(4.51+/-0.25) vs (4.30+/-0.23) per ovary] and follicles aspirated [(2.55+/-0.14) vs (2.52+/-0.12) per ovary]. But the total COCs per ovary was almost similar in both ovaries [right and left: (1.85+/-0.12) and (1.85+/-0.11) per ovary, respectively]. Higher number of total COCs [(1.87+/-0.09) vs (1.76+/-0.16) per ovary], total number of follicles [(4.45+/-0.19) vs (4.16+/-0.37) per ovary], follicles aspirated [(2.55+/-0.10) vs (2.48+/-0.21) per ovary] and normal COCs [(1.12+/-0.07) vs (0.76+/-0.14) per ovary] were found in CL-absent group than those of CL-present group of ovaries.

Study of the vasculature of the caprine reproductive organs using the tissue-clearing technique, with special reference to the angioarchitecture of the utero-ovarian vessels and the adaptation of the ovarian and/or vaginal arteries to multiple pregnancies

Arteries of the reproductive tracts of nonpregnant does and does at 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, and 18 weeks of gestation were injected in situ with Microfil. The tracts were fixed, dehydrated, and rendered transparent to reveal the paths of arteries. The tortuous ovarian artery lay in close apposition to the uterine tributary of the ovarian vein, an arrangement that may serve as a local utero-ovarian pathway for the corpus luteum (CL) luteolysis at the end of nonfertile estrous cycle. During pregnancy, this arteriovenous arrangement might transfer luteotropic substances from uterus to ovary, which might serve in maternal recognition of pregnancy and fit the fact that the goat is CL-dependent throughout gestation. In some cases of triplets, the size of the uterine branch of the ovarian artery was equal to or even larger than that of its parent artery and/or the ipsilateral uterine artery, and the vaginal artery contributed a connecting branch to the uterine artery. These physiological adaptations of the ovarian and/or vaginal arteries, which have not previously been described, correlate well with the increasing nutrient demands of the growing multiple fetuses.

Analysis of size and conformation of native Creole goat breeds and crossbreds used in smallholder agrosilvopastoral systems in Puebla, Mexico

Liveweight (LW) of does and bucks of the native Creole goat breed and crosses of Creole does and Nubian bucks, aged 1.5-5 years, were recorded and body traits including: head length (HL), head width (HW), body length (BL), trunk length (TL), chest girth (CG), abdominal perimeter (AP), rump length (RL), and height at withers (HW) were measured to develop equations for predicting LW from the body measurements. Weight, sex, breed and kidding date of 354 kids were recorded at birth, and LW of the kids was measured monthly for one year to determine the effect of kidding season on growth rate. Bucks had higher (p < 0.05) body measurements than the does (HL 15.1 +/- 0.1 vs 16.6 +/- 0.2 cm; BL 97.6 +/- 0.4 vs 104.6 +/- 1.2 cm; CG 78.8 +/- 0.4 vs 79.9 +/- 1.0 cm; AP 82.4 +/- 0.5 vs 87.2 +/- 1.1 cm; HW 62.7 +/- 0.4 vs 70.1 +/- 0.8 cm). With the exception of TL, F2 does had higher (p < 0.05) body measurements and LW (28.8 +/- 1.5 vs 27.7 +/- 0.5 kg) than Creole does. The body traits of the F1 does were similar (p > 0.05) to those of Creole does with the exception of HL, BL and HR. The F2 kids were heavier (p < 0.05) at birth (3.31 +/- 0.1 vs 2.60 +/- 0.1 kg) and grew faster than the Creole kids. Male kids were heavier (p < 0.05) at birth (3.21 +/- 0.10 vs 2.73 +/- 0.13 kg), and grew faster than female kids. Season had a significant effect on birth weight. The results showed that LW of Creole goats and Creole x Nubian does could be estimated in the field using body traits. Birth weight and growth rate of kids could be improved by management practices that affect season of kidding.

The Saanen goat as an animal model for post-laryngectomy research: practical implications

A modern way of voice rehabilitation after total laryngectomy includes the use of shunt valves and tracheostoma valves. Problems of fixation to the surrounding tissue are a major drawback in the use of the shunt valve, heat and moisture exchange (HME) filters and, especially, the tracheostoma valve. To solve these problems different tissue connectors were developed. The main objective was to test the feasibility of these prototypes in a new animal model. Here we discuss the results, problems and complications of the selected Saanen goat model. In this prospective laboratory study, 19 healthy adult female Saanen goats (Capra hircus) were used and observed post-surgically for 12 weeks. Selection criteria such as comparable anatomy to humans and easy handling were used for animal model development. Also a literature search using the Medline and the ISI Web of Science databases was performed. The anatomy of the Saanen goat was investigated in a separate postmortem study. Surgery consisted of a laryngotracheal separation and implantation of a tracheo-oesophageal and tracheostoma tissue connector with fibrin tissue glue. Postoperative care consisted of frequent stoma care, monitoring appetite, weight, vital signs and administration of antibiotics, analgesics and mucolytic agents. All animals survived the surgical procedure. However, postoperative care was extensive, labour intensive and was accompanied by several complications. Eleven animals died spontaneously before the end of the experiment. The tracheostoma tissue connector caused signs of local infection in all cases. There was no evidence of infection around the tracheo-oesophageal tissue connector in 18 cases. It was concluded that the use of goats in this tracheostoma model was associated with major complications and should, therefore, only be used for short-term experiments with intensive care. Additional research is needed to see if clinical application of the tissue connectors is possible in the future.

Age-dependent genetic effects on a secondary sexual trait in male Alpine ibex, Capra ibex

Secondary sexual traits, such as horns in ungulates, may be good indicators of genetic quality because they are costly to develop. Genetic effects on such traits may be revealed by examining correlations between multilocus heterozygosity (MLH) and trait value. Correlations between MLH and fitness traits, termed heterozygosity-fitness correlations (HFC), may reflect inbreeding depression or associative overdominance of neutral microsatellite loci with loci directly affecting fitness traits. We investigated HFCs for horn growth, body mass and faecal counts of nematode eggs in wild Alpine ibex (Capra ibex). We also tested if individual inbreeding coefficients (f') estimated from microsatellite data were more strongly correlated with fitness traits than MLH. MLH was more strongly associated with trait variation than f'. We found HFC for horn growth but not for body mass or faecal counts of nematode eggs. The effect of MLH on horn growth was age-specific. The slope of the correlation between MLH and yearly horn growth changed from negative to positive as males aged, in accordance with the mutation accumulation theory of the evolution of senescence. Our results suggest that the horns of ibex males are an honest signal of genetic quality.

The Kit ligand/c-Kit receptor system in goat ovaries: gene expression and protein localization

Relatively little information is available on the local factors that regulate folliculogenesis in goats. To examine the possibility that the Kit ligand (KL) system is expressed throughout the folliculogenesis, we studied the presence and distribution of KL and its receptor, c-Kit, in goat ovaries. Ovaries of goats were collected and either fixed in paraformaldehyde for immunohistochemical localization of KL and c-Kit proteins, or used for the isolation of follicles, luteal cells, surface epithelium and medullary samples to study mRNA expression for KL and c-Kit, using the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). KL protein and mRNA were found in follicles at all stages of development, i.e. primordial, primary, secondary, small and large antral follicles, as well as in corpora lutea, surface epithelium and medullary tissue. Antral follicles expressed both KL-1 and KL-2 mRNAs, while earlier staged follicles expressed KL-1 transcript only. KL protein was demonstrated in granulosa cells from the primordial follicle onward. Its mRNA could be detected in granulosa cells isolated from antral follicles and occasionally in their theca cells. c-Kit mRNA was expressed in all antral follicular compartments and at all stages of follicular development. c-Kit protein was predominantly found in oocytes from the primordial follicle stage onwards, in theca cells of antral follicles, as well as in corpora lutea, surface epithelium and medullary tissue, particularly in the wall of blood vessels, which may indicate these cells as the main sites of action of KL. It is concluded that the KL/c-Kit system, in goat ovaries, is widespread and that it may be involved in the regulation of various local processes, including folliculogenesis and luteal activity.

Animal models for implant biomaterial research in bone: a review

Development of an optimal interface between bone and orthopaedic and dental implants has taken place for many years. In order to determine whether a newly developed implant material conforms to the requirements of biocompatibility, mechanical stability and safety, it must undergo rigorous testing both in vitro and in vivo. Results from in vitro studies can be difficult to extrapolate to the in vivo situation. For this reason the use of animal models is often an essential step in the testing of orthopaedic and dental implants prior to clinical use in humans. This review discusses some of the more commonly available and frequently used animal models such as the dog, sheep, goat, pig and rabbit models for the evaluation of bone-implant interactions. Factors for consideration when choosing an animal model and implant design are discussed. Various bone specific features are discussed including the usage of the species, bone macrostructure and microstructure and bone composition and remodelling, with emphasis being placed on the similarity between the animal model and the human clinical situation. While the rabbit was the most commonly used of the species discussed in this review, it is clear that this species showed the least similarities to human bone. There were only minor differences in bone composition between the various species and humans. The pig demonstrated a good likeness with human bone however difficulties may be encountered in relation to their size and ease of handling. In this respect the dog and sheep/goat show more promise as animal models for the testing of bone implant materials. While no species fulfils all of the requirements of an ideal model, an understanding of the differences in bone architecture and remodelling between the species is likely to assist in the selection of a suitable species for a defined research question.

The cerebellar fastigial nucleus contributes to CO2-H+ ventilatory sensitivity in awake goats

The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that an intact cerebellar fastigial nucleus (CFN) is an important determinant of CO(2)-H(+) sensitivity during wakefulness. Bilateral, stainless steel microtubules were implanted into the CFN (N=9) for injection (0.5-10 microl) of the neurotoxin ibotenic acid. Two or more weeks after implantation of the microtubules, eupneic breathing and CO(2)-H(+) sensitivity did not differ significantly (P>0.10) from pre-implantation conditions. Injection of ibotenic acid (50 mM) did not significantly alter eupneic Pa(CO2) (P>0.10). The coefficient of variation of eupneic Pa(CO2) was 4.0+/-0.6 and 3.7+/-0.4% over the 2 weeks before and after the lesion, respectively. CO(2)-H(+) sensitivity expressed as inspired ventilation/Pa(CO2) decreased from 2.15+/-0.17 pre-lesion to 1.58+/-0.26 l/(min mmHg) 3-6 days post-lesion (P<0.02, -27%). There was no significant (P>0.10) recovery of sensitivity between 7 and 10 days post-lesion. The lesion also increased (P<0.05) the day-to-day variability of this index by nearly 100%. When CO(2) sensitivity was expressed as elevated inspired CO(2)/room air V (I), values at 7%, but not 3 and 5% inspired CO(2), were reduced and more variable (P<0.05) after the ibotenic acid injections. We conclude that during wakefulness, the CFN contributes relatively more to overall ventilatory drive at high relative to low levels of hypercapnia.

Predicting the energy cost of terrestrial locomotion: a test of the LiMb model in humans and quadrupeds

The energy cost of terrestrial locomotion has been linked to the muscle forces generated to support body weight and swing the limbs. The LiMb model predicts these forces, and hence locomotor cost, as a function of limb length and basic kinematic variables. Here, I test this model in humans, goats and dogs in order to assess the performance of the LiMb model in predicting locomotor cost for bipeds and quadrupeds. Model predictions were compared to observed locomotor cost, measured via oxygen consumption, during treadmill trials performed over a range of speeds for both walking and running gaits. The LiMb model explained more of the variation in locomotor cost than other predictors, including contact time, Froude number and body mass. The LiMb model also accurately predicted the magnitude of vertical ground forces. Results suggest the LiMb model reliably links locomotor anatomy to force production and locomotor cost. Further, these data support the idea that limb length may underlie the scaling of locomotor cost for terrestrial animals.

Structure and chemical organization of the accessory olfactory bulb in the goat

The structure and chemical composition of the accessory olfactory bulb (AOB) were examined in male and female goats. Sections were subjected to either Nissl staining, Klüver-Barrera staining, lectin histochemistry, or immunohistochemistry for nitric oxide synthase (NOS), neuropeptide Y (NPY), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DBH), and glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD). The goat AOB was divided into four layers: the vomeronasal nerve layer (VNL), glomerular layer (GL), mitral/tufted (M/T) cell layer (MTL), and granule cell layer (GRL). Quantitative and morphometric analyses indicated that a single AOB contained 5,000-8,000 putative M/T cells with no sex differences, whereas the AOB was slightly larger in males. Of the 21 lectins examined, 7 specifically bound to the VNL and GL, and 1 bound not only to the VNL, but also to the MTL and GRL. In either of these cases, no heterogeneity of lectin staining was observed in the rostrocaudal direction. NOS-, TH-, DBH-, and GAD-immunoreactivity (ir) were observed in the MTL and GRL, whereas NPY-ir was present only in the GRL. In the GL, periglomerular cells with GAD-ir were found in abundance, and a subset of periglomerular cells containing TH-ir was also found. Double-labeling immunohistochemistry revealed that virtually all periglomerular cells containing TH-ir were colocalized with GAD-ir.

Masticatory motor patterns in ungulates: a quantitative assessment of jaw-muscle coordination in goats, alpacas and horses

We investigated patterns of jaw-muscle coordination during rhythmic mastication in three species of ungulates displaying the marked transverse jaw movements typical of many large mammalian herbivores. In order to quantify consistent motor patterns during chewing, electromyograms were recorded from the superficial masseter, deep masseter, posterior temporalis and medial pterygoid muscles of goats, alpacas and horses. Timing differences between muscle pairs were evaluated in the context of an evolutionary model of jaw-muscle function. In this model, the closing and food reduction phases of mastication are primarily controlled by two distinct muscle groups, triplet I (balancing-side superficial masseter and medial pterygoid and working-side posterior temporalis) and triplet II (working-side superficial masseter and medial pterygoid and balancing-side posterior temporalis), and the asynchronous activity of the working- and balancing-side deep masseters. The three species differ in the extent to which the jaw muscles are coordinated as triplet I and triplet II. Alpacas, and to a lesser extent, goats, exhibit the triplet pattern whereas horses do not. In contrast, all three species show marked asynchrony of the working-side and balancing-side deep masseters, with jaw closing initiated by the working-side muscle and the balancing-side muscle firing much later during closing. However, goats differ from alpacas and horses in the timing of the balancing-side deep masseter relative to the triplet II muscles. This study highlights interspecific differences in the coordination of jaw muscles to influence transverse jaw movements and the production of bite force in herbivorous ungulates.

Endoscopic examination of the upper respiratory tract and oesophagus in small ruminants: Technique and normal appearance

The aim of this study was to describe the technique of rhinolaryngotracheobronchoscopy and oesophagoscopy in small ruminants and to report the normal endoscopic appearance of the structures of the upper respiratory tract and oesophagus. Thirty sheep and 30 goats, all clinically normal, underwent rhinolaryngotracheobronchoscopy and oesophagoscopy using a flexible endoscope (length 100 cm; diameter 4 mm). The anatomical features of the structures and the appearance of the mucosa were investigated. The degree of mucosal pigmentation varied between breeds. The appearance of the pharyngeal tonsil and the shape of the trachea in cross-section showed most individual variation. The technique was easily performed and sedation was necessary in only a few cases. No major complications were encountered. It was concluded that the procedure facilitated more accurate diagnosis and prognosis of conditions of the upper respiratory tract and oesophagus.

[Nuclear transfer of goat somatic cells transgenic for human lactoferrin]

Transgenic animal mammary gland bioreactors are being used to produce recombinant proteins with appropriate post-translational modifications, and nuclear transfer of transgenic somatic cells is a more powerful method to produce mammary gland bioreactor. Here we describe efficient gene transfer and nuclear transfer in goat somatic cells. Gene targeting vector pGBC2LF was constructed by cloning human lactoferrin (LF) gene cDNA into exon 2 of the milk goat beta-casein gene, and the endogenous start condon was replaced by that of human LF gene. Goat fetal fibroblasts were transfected with linearized pGBC2LF and 14 cell lines were positive according to PCR and Southern blot. The transgenic cells were used as donor cells of nuclear transfer, and some of reconstructed embryos could develop to blastocyst in vitro.

[Influence of maternal genetic effect on genetic parameter estimates of production traits of cashmere goat]

The derivative-free restricted maximum likelihood (DFREML) method was used to compare the differences of genetic parameter estimates of Inner Mongolian Cashmere Goats under two models, which differ in whether maternal genetic effect is taken into account. The differences between the two models were, tested by likelihood ratio test. The results show that maternal genetic effect highly affects live body weight and cashmere thickness while has no significant effect on raw cashmere weight, staple length, fibre diameter and fibre length.

Short Communication: Correlations Between Udder Morphology, Milk Yield, and Milking Ability with Different Milking Frequencies in Dairy Goats

Tinerfeñ a breed goats were assigned to 2 experimental herds and milked once (n = 28) or twice (n = 24) daily to study correlations between udder morphology, milk yield, and milking ability during the middle stage of the first lactation. Pearson correlation coefficients were significantly higher between yield and measures of udder globulousness (udder volume, r = 0.79 and r = 0.59; perimeter of insertion of the udder, r = 0.47 and r = 0.37; distance between teats, r = 0.77 and r = 0.28, for goats milked once and twice daily, respectively) than for length parameters (cistern floor distance, r = 0.40 and r = -0.29; udder depth, r = -0.20 and r = 0.20). The globulousness of the udder was correlated with easier milking ability, as shown by milk fractioning (r = 0.49 to 0.70) and milk flow measures (r = 0.32 to 0.49). The results showed that the globulousness of the udder is more important than length measurements in assessing milk yield and milking ability.

Ophthalmoscopic characteristics in sheep and goats: comparative study

The ocular fundus was examined in 40 goat eyes and 40 sheep eyes by studying ophthalmoscopic characteristics and retinograms. Similarities and differing characteristics were described. In common: tapetal colour; peripheral yellowish area surrounding the Winslow stars; unpigmented areas in the non-tapetal zone; a great amount of myelin in the optic disc; the Bergmeister's papilla and the holoangiotic retinal vascular pattern. Differences: big size of the Winslow stars in goats; myelinizated fibre over the non-tapetal zone in sheep; shape, position and myelin distribution of the optic disc; and the presence of a 'primary artery' in goats.

Evolutionary history of the genus Capra (Mammalia, Artiodactyla): discordance between mitochondrial DNA and Y-chromosome phylogenies

The systematics of the genus Capra remain controversial in spite of studies conducted using morphology, mtDNA, and allozymes. Here, we assess the evolutionary history of Capra (i) using phylogenetic analysis of two nuclear genes located on the Y-chromosome and (ii) previously published and new cytochrome b sequences. For the Y-chromosome phylogeny, we sequenced segments from the amelogenin (AMELY) and zinc finger (ZFY) genes from all of the eight wild taxa and from domestic goats (Capra hircus). Phylogenetic analysis of the Y-chromosome data revealed two well-defined clades. The domestic goat (C. hircus), the bezoar (Capra aegagrus), and the markhor (C. falconeri) belong to one clade (ML bootstrap value [BP]: 98%), suggesting that domestic goats originated from one or both of these wild species. The second clade (ML BP: 92%) is comprised of all the other wild species. Horn morphology is generally concordant with the Y-chromosome phylogeny. The mtDNA data also revealed two well-defined clades. However, the species in each clade are different from those inferred from the Y-chromosome data. To explain the discordance between Y-chromosome and mtDNA phylogenies, several hypotheses are considered. We suggest that a plausible scenario involves mtDNA introgression between ancestral taxa before the relatively recent colonization of Western Europe, the Caucasus Mountains, and East Africa by Capra populations.

Anatomy of the posterolateral aspect of the goat knee

The purpose of this study was to determine the anatomy of the posterolateral aspect of the goat knee for future in vivo studies using a goat model to examine the natural history of posterolateral knee injuries. Twelve non-paired, fresh-frozen, adult goat knees were dissected to determine the anatomy of the posterolateral corner. The main posterolateral structures identified in the goat knee were the lateral collateral ligament, the popliteus muscle and tendon, popliteomeniscal fascicles, and the lateral gastrocnemius muscle. The lateral collateral ligament was extra-articular and coursed from its proximal attachment, located posterior and proximal to the lateral epicondyle, to its distal attachment on the lateral aspect of the fused proximal tibiofibula. The popliteus muscle attached to the medial edge of the posterodistal tibia, traveled anterolaterally, became intra-articular at its musculotendinous junction, and attached to the lateral femur just distal to the lateral epicondyle. Distinct popliteomeniscal fascicles attached the lateral meniscus to the popliteus muscle and tendon, and a fascial attachment from the musculotendinous junction of the popliteus muscle coursed to the lateral tibial plateau. This study provided information on the structures present in the posterolateral aspect of the goat knee and enhanced our understanding of their relationships to analogous structures in the human knee. This information is important to enable future development of potential models of the natural history of posterolateral knee injuries and also to test surgical techniques and the in vivo effects of these injuries on cruciate ligament reconstructions.

Postnatal development of the pineal gland in the goat (Capra hircus)--light and electron microscopy studies

This study was conducted to investigate structural transformations of the goat pineal gland during postnatal development. The pineals of newborn, 4-week-, 4-month-, 1-year- and 3-year-old male goats were prepared for qualitative and quantitative investigations at both light and transmission electron microscopy levels. In the first 4 months after birth, the pinealocytes developed very intensively, which was connected with enlargement of their volume as well as distinct qualitative and quantitative transformations of their cytoplasmic organelles. Parallel to these changes, the pineal parenchyma underwent deep reorganization and the mosaic pattern, characteristic for newborns, disappeared. At the same time the meshwork of blood vessels supporting the goat pineal gland developed conspicuously. From fourth months to one year of postnatal life continuation of the growth of some pinealocyte organelles and very intensive development of all components of the pineal connective tissue were observed. In the three-year-old goats some decrease in the relative volume of most cytoplasmic structures of pinealocytes as well as increase in collagen fibers in stroma were noticed. The investigations established intensive growth of the goat pineal to the age of 4 months, which included mainly some increase in the pinealocyte and their structures. The pineal gland of 4-month- and 1-year-old goats showed morphological features which are considered as symptoms of high secretory activity. The structure of the pineal gland in 3-year-old animals and the changes observed both in their pinealocytes and connective tissue in comparison with 1-year-old individuals point to some decrease in the goat pineal activity in this age.

Iliocostalis muscles in three mammals (dolphin, goat and human): Their identification, structure and innervation

Iliocostalis (IC) muscles were studied in four dolphin embryos, three goat embryos and four Japanese adult cadavers through macroscopic dissection. The IC muscles of the dolphin were located on the lateral aspect of the trunk and displayed an intercostal arrangement. In contrast, the IC muscles in both the goat and human showed a double-layered architecture formed by a multisegmental muscle-tendon complex and were located on the lateral and medial sides of the costal angle, respectively. Generally, the nerve to the iliocostalis (NIC) in the dolphin and goat did not form a common trunk with the nerve to the longissimus on the epaxial plane, whereas in humans the NIC ran parallel to the nerve to the longissimus part of the way. The individual NIC ran caudolaterally, innervating the one lower (caudal) metameric division of the IC muscle in the dolphin and piercing the fascia of the IC muscles at a point in the next caudal intercostal level in the goat and human. In the upper thoracic part of the goat and human, the caudal shift of innervation was obscured, where the IC muscles were close to the vertebrae. The course of the NIC was closely related to that of the lateral cutaneous branch. The present study shows that the NIC is commonly destined for the one lower intercostal level among the three mammalian species, with their respective IC muscles having distinctly different structural complexity.

Morphology of caprine skin glands involved in buck odour production

The distribution and morphology of the cornual, sub-caudal, mental and preputial glands were studied macro- and microscopically in four Toggenburg and eight miniature male goats. Although the cornual and sub-caudal glands could be readily located macroscopically, the mental glands in the inter-mandibular region and the preputial glands at the preputial orifice were not visible macroscopically. On histological section, all glands were found to be composed of lobulated sebaceous tissue combining both normal and modified holocrine secretory units. Over a period of 18 months, five consecutive glandular swabs for scent tests were taken to assess the influence of age and season on buck odour production. Buck odour was most apparent in the cornual gland area, less distinct at the mental gland region, and faint or absent in the other glandular areas. Surgical removal of the cornual glands caused a decrease in buck odour and persisting scent was ascribed to smaller skin glands dispersed in the cranial body half. Complete absence of buck odour was only observed in castrated bucks.

Ultrasonic assessment of puerperal uterine involution in Balady goats

Twenty-six postpartum Balady goats (primiparous, n=13; pluriparous, n=13) were used in this study. One animal of each group was slaughtered on postpartum days 1, 2, 4, 7, 10, 13, 19 and 25; in addition, three control nulliparous goats were slaughtered, and the genital tracts collected. Progress of uterine involution was monitored by repeated ultrasonographic measurements in live animals (primiparous n=6; pluriparous n=6) and measurement of the outer circumference of the uterine horns of slaughtered animals (primiparous n=8; pluriparous n=8). A consistent and progressive decrease in ultrasonographic and outer circumference measurements was found, although faster during the first 7 days postpartum than between days 7 and 19 postpartum. Uterine involution, assessed by the upper limit of the measurements in the nulliparous goats, followed a quadratic pattern and was completed by day 19 postpartum. Ultrasonographically, two elliptical-circular echogenic areas separated by an anechoic line of the stratum vascularis were depicted. Regressing caruncles and fluid in uterine lumen were recognized during the first week postpartum. Further analysis revealed a highly positive correlation between the outer circumference and ultrasonographic measurements. In conclusion, uterine involution in Balady goats was completed by day 19 postpartum and was unrelated to parity. The close association between ultrasound findings and macroscopic involution indicated that ultrasonography can dependably be used to monitor uterine involution under field conditions and can be a suitable alternative to animal slaughter for the study of uterine involution.

Morphometry of ovarian structures by transrectal ultrasonography in Serrana goats

The accuracy of transrectal real-time ultrasonography (RTU) scanning technique to detect ovarian structures (follicles and corpus luteum) of Serrana goats was compared to the data obtained by observation of ovarian sequential slices. This slicing technique (SLI) was considered as reference method. The laparoscopy and laparotomy techniques were also used for corpora lutea identification. For this purpose the ovaries of 14 females were observed, 7-8 days after ovulation, by transrectal ultrasonography followed by laparoscopic examination. Then ovaries were removed and studied by slicing. In the sliced sections of each ovary (n=28), follicles and corpus luteum (CL) were identified and counted. CL and follicular diameters were measured using a millimetre scale. The total number of follicles, counted by RTU, was significantly lower than that observed by SLI (P <0.01). This difference was mainly due to the under estimation of <2 mm follicles category. The correlation coefficient between category data obtained by RTU and SLI methods for the number of follicles > or =3 mm was high (r2=0.95, P <0.001), which highlights the use of UTR as a potential methodology to study the follicular dynamic of goats. There were no significant differences (P >0.05) between the average number (mean +/- S.D.) of corpus luteum identified per ovary by RTU (0.71 +/- 0.75), laparoscopy (0.58 +/- 0.71), laparotomy (0.67 +/- 0.76) or SLI (0.83 +/- 0.76) methods. The accuracy for the identification of ovulation, validated by CL detection on D7-D8 by SLI (100%), was 91.7%, 87.5% and 83.3% by RTU, laparotomy and laparoscopy, respectively. The negative predictive value of RTU, laparotomy and laparoscopy to verify the absence of a CL in the ovary was 81.8%, 75.0% and 69.2%, respectively. The specificity of all three methods for the CL identification was 100%. No significant differences (P >0.05) were found in the probability to detect the exact number of CL (0, 1 or 2) counted in each ovary between the RTU (87.5%), laparotomy (83.3%) and laparoscopy (75.0%) methods when compared with the reference method. The diameter of spherical CL could be estimated with reliability (r2=0.86; P <0.001). The real-time ultrasonographic scanning proved to be a highly accurate method for detection and measurement of several categories of follicles and CL size in Serrana goats. The results of the present study show that laparoscopy and RTU are similarly reliable techniques for CL detection. However, the RTU represents a non-traumatic technique with advantages to animal welfare both in experimental and reproductive evaluation of the size of ovarian structures.

Comparative morphological study on the tongue and lingual papillae of horses (Perissodactyla) and selected ruminantia (Artiodactyla)

A common characteristic of horses, Rocky Mountain goats, and cattle is that they all have a well developed lingual prominence on the dorsal surface of the posterior area of the tongue. Foliate papillae were found in the horse studied but not in the goat or in cattle. The horse filiform papillae had a long and slender external form with a thin and slender CTC, while in the goat and cattle the external form consisted of a large thick main process and the CTC consisted of a bundle of numerous rod-shaped protrusions. The special papilla found on the lingual prominence resembled larger filiform-like papillae in the horses; however, in the goat and cattle it was a very thick and large tongue like papillae. The horses had two large vallate papillae, while the goat and cattle had 15 or more vallate papillae at the posterior area of the lingual prominence. This suggests that the fine structure of horse tongues may display a more primitive pattern than that present in goats and cattle.

Immunolocalization of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) and Its Receptors (TrkA and p75LNGFR) in the Reproductive Organs of Shiba Goats

The objective of this study was to determine the immunolocalization of NGF and its receptors (TrkA and p75LNGFR) in the reproductive tract of the Japanese Shiba goats. Five adult goats were used in this study and sections of ovaries, uteri and oviducts were immunostained by the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex method (ABC). The results showed that NGF and its receptors (TrkA and p75LNGFR) were expressed in granulosa cells, theca cells, interstitial cells and lutein cells in ovaries. Immunoreactions for NGF, TrkA and p75LNGFR were also detectable in epithelial cells and muscle cells of the ampulla and isthmus of the oviduct, and in epithelial cells and uterine glands of the uterus. These results strongly suggest autocrine and paracrine regulation of reproductive function by NGF in the reproductive tract of female Shiba goats.