Gross, biometrical and histological study of reticulum and oesophageal groove of Surti goat (Capra hircus) in India

Goat is mainly reared for the milk and meat purpose. The quality and quantity of milk and meat are dependent on digestive system. The Goat is ruminant animal and the Reticulum has special role in the digestive system. For the present study, fresh ruminant stomach of six healthy adult Surti goats were procured from the local abattoirs of Anand. After separating the reticulum, different gross, biometrical as well as histological examination had performed. The mean±SE value of weight of reticulum was 121.50±5.29gm. The mean±SE values of longitudinal circumference and transverse circumference were 29.08±1.27 cm and 25.95±1.86 cm, respectively. The mean±SE values of length and width of reticular cells were 19.17±0.67 mm and 13.97±0.48 mm, respectively. The mean±SE value of length of oesophageal groove was 8.80±0.28 cm. Histology of reticular mucosa showed characteristic reticular crests which were wide with stratified squamous epithelium having lamina propria protrusions of the mucosa. Muscularis mucosa was present only inside the reticular crest and absent at its base. Histology of oesophageal groove revealed stratified squamous epithelium, lamina propria, submucosa and musculosa. A group of smooth muscles was also present between lamina propria and submucosa.