Gross, Microanatomical and Ultrastructural Studies of Interdigital Gland in Madras Red Sheep (Ovis aries)

Abstract

Background: Madras Red sheep is a well-recognized meat type breed reared only on free range system to yield tasty meat. The aim of this study was to determine the gross, microanatomical and ultrastructural details of the interdigital gland in Madras Red sheep. Methods: The interdigital glands were removed immediately after slaughter and subjected for gross morphological, histological, immunohistochemical studies and ultrastructural observations. Result: The results revealed that a well-developed tobacco-pipe shaped interdigital gland was present in all the four limbs which was composed of an orifice, excretory duct, body and bent or flexure. Histologically, wall of the gland was composed of epidermis, dermis and capsule from within outward. Epidermis was made of stratified squamous keratinized epithelium. Dermis was composed of dense irregular connective tissue with sweat, sebaceous glands, arrectores pili muscle and hair follicles were embedded within. The sweat gland appeared as group of tortuous tubules under scanning electron microscope. The oily secretion of the gland helps in maintaining the healthiness of foot during movement of the animal.

Seasonal investigation of the macroscopic and microscopic structure of the sinus interdigitalis in Hamdani crossbred sheep (Ovis aries)

“…Although Uğurlu ( 1991 ) reported that there was no difference between the size and shape of the sinus interdigitalis in the forelimbs and hind limbs in sheep, studies are reporting that the gland in the forelimbs is heavier and larger than the gland in the hind limbs (İlgün et al., 2022 ; Yılmaz et al., 2017 ). In our study, it was determined that the average gland weight had a higher value in the hind limbs than in the forelimbs, as in Madras red sheep (Dharani et al., 2023 ). In addition, a statistical difference was observed in terms of gland weights in the forelimb and hind limbs ( p < 0.05).…”

“…( 2009 ) reported that the average gland weight of male and female Iranian domestic sheep was 1.16 g in the forelimb and hind limbs during both breeding and non‐breeding periods. In Madras red sheep, it was reported as 0.62 ± 0.06 and 1.53 ± 0.06 g in the forelimb and hind limbs, respectively (Dharani et al., 2023 ). The average gland value obtained in our study was 1.07 ± 0.35 g in males and 1.4 ± 0.99 g in females.…”