Gross anatomy and ultrasonography of the udder in goat

 

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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.