A gross anatomic study of the cerebellum of the one-humped camel was carried out utilizing 52 camel brains. A topographic description is accompanied by morphometric measurements, all of which are compared with similar data from other mammals.U. S.

No abstract

In order to provide a more reliable, non-invasive method for defining the reproductive phase and determining the optimum time of ovulation, fifteen (15) apparently normal, non-pregnant cycling Red Sokoto does were used to evaluate exfoliative vaginal cytology sequential pattern; as well as temperature (rectal and vaginal) changes relative to various stages of the oestrus cycle. The does were synchronized by treatment with two luteolytic dosages of PGF 2α analogue (Lutalyse ® , Dinoprost tromethamine), 12.5mg administered intramuscularly in the gluteal region, 11 days apart. Vaginal smears were stained using a modified Papanicolaou method while the vaginal or rectal temperatures ( o C) was recorded with a standard (dry-bulb) clinical thermometer taken from 07:30 to 08:30 hrs daily and monitored throughout the period of experiment. In vaginal cytological smear examination, five exfoliated cell types were identifiable viz; anucleated superficial cells, superficial nucleated cells, intermediate cells, parabasal cells and leucocytes. Typically, the proestrus witnessed an increase in the proportion of anucleated superficial and superficial nucleated cells, with marked reduction in both intermediate and parabasal cells. Oestrous vaginal smear cells were highly cellular and consisted predominantly of superficial nucleated cells. Metestrus and Diestrus phases were markedly similar with respect to cell population and distribution. Metestrus phase showed drastic reduction in number of superficial cells and the proportion of leucocytes in smears began to rise while the desquamation of parabasal and intermediate cells with leucocytosis characterized the diestrus phase. In thermal study, there was significant (P< 0.05) difference in both mean rectal temperature (MRT) and mean vaginal temperature (MVT) values on day of estrus, the same not the case during the three other stages of the oestrous cycle, however, there was no significant (P> 0.05) difference between the mean rectal temperature (MRT) and mean vaginal temperature (MVT). Taken together, these results indicate that vaginal cytologic evaluation and temperature changes can be used as an adjunct tool during oestrus detection and for predicting time of ovulation in this breed; and furthermore, either of diurnal temperature rhythms, MRT or MVT can be used, in combination with other diagnostic tools, as a potential on-farm indicator of oestrous stage in Nigerian indigenous breeds of Red Sokoto does.