Gross anatomy and ultrasonography of the udder in goat

Abstract

Introduction: The udder is a very important structural and physiological component in all dairy animals, so the precise knowledge of its normal gross morphology is fundamental for the clinical examination. Objective: The current study aimed to clarify the gross anatomical characteristics and ultrasonographic findings of the udder in Egyptian native breeds of goat (Baladi goat). Materials and Methods: Thirteen healthy Baladi goats during lactation period were grossly investigated and then they were examined through B-mode ultrasonography. Two specimens were used for corrosion casting and the remaining specimens were subjected to the anatomical dissection. Results: The gross anatomical investigation revealed that the udder of goat was consisted of two halves; each one had mammary body and teat, and it was suspended in the ventral abdominal wall and pelvic floor through the medial and lateral suspensory laminae. Moreover, each half was composed of a single mammary unit which included the mammary glandular parenchyma, lactiferous ducts, lactiferous sinus and teat canal ended by a teat orifice. These mammary structures showed variant echogenicity during ultrasonographic examination according to their reflective intensity to the ultrasound. Conclusion: The morphological features and ultrasonographic findings obtained in this study could assist in the further diagnosis of several pathological conditions of the udder of goat.

Methodology of udder description and the effect on somatic cell count in Czech White Shorthaired goat breed

“…The ultrasonography of the udder is an exact method for the diagnosis of some physiological and pathological states of the mammary gland in ruminants (mastitis etc.). It makes it possible to avoid economic losses during milk production in the case of udder disease (1).…”

“…Maintenance of the normal physiological function of the mammary gland is essential for the production of high-quality milk and healthy offspring (3). The morphology of the udder affects its milkability, capacity for machine milking, the production and composition of milk, the resistance of the mammary gland to diseases, and the ability of kids to find and grasp the teat (1,11). For this reason, greater attention should be paid to the study of goat udder anatomy.…”

Histological and Histometrical Features of the Mammary Gland in Immature and Lactating Local Breed Ewes (Ovis aries)

“…Gland is composed of highly branched duct system that conducted with each other by connective tissue septum and the mammary alveoli (secretory units) drain into small ducts that combine with others until, all drain into dozen of wide lactiferous ducts. Lactiferous ducts are converge on a large sinus situated in the lower part of the glandular cistern of each quarter and finally lead into the teat cisterna and canal (4). The several articles have explained some of the factors affecting milk production, especially lactation stage are very important (5) in camel,(6) in cattle.…”

Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Teat Structure and Detection of Prominent Annular Folds in Brazilian Dairy Buffaloes

“…Interestingly, pAFs were more common in the rear quarters than in the forequarters in cows from farms 1 and 3, but the reason for this is not known. Annular folds are considered to be folds of the mucosa [21] or to consist of elastic tissue [22] that divides the lactiferous sinus into a glandular part and a papillar part [23,24]. An older study suggested that milk let-down may be blocked by contraction of smooth musculature at the base of the teat, including the annular folds.…”