Volume 13, Issue 2: 2023 - Article 13

Ovarian follicular development during post-natal growth in the West African Dwarf goat (Capra hircus)
Clifford N. Abiaezute*, Kendy O. Okorie and Innocent C. Nwaogu

Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka,
Enugu State, Nigeria.

Abstract
Mammalian ovarian follicular development is known to start in-utero during the embryonic stage, and females are born with all the follicles needed in adult life. This study investigated the morphological changes in the ovaries of West African Dwarf (WAD) goats during post-natal growth. Forty five female WAD goats of specific ages were purposively acquired and used for the study. Five goats each of the following specific ages were acquired: one day old (acquired at birth), 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24 and 28 weeks of age. The goats were weighed, humanely euthanized and their ovaries dissected out. The ovaries were grossly observed, and their length, width, thickness and weight were measured. Sections of the ovaries were processed for microscopic examination.  Results of the investigation showed that grossly, the ovaries at birth were oblong in shape, smooth and flabby. Macroscopic ovarian follicles were first observed at 4 weeks of age. Ovaries of the 8 week old goats were well enlarged with numerous macroscopically visible follicles. Goats of 12 – 28 weeks of age had ovaries that were similar and smaller than that of the 8 week old goats, but had fewer and larger macroscopically visible follicles. The lengths, weights, thicknesses and widths of the ovaries increased significantly (p < 0.05) with age. Histologically, the ovaries consisted of medullary cores of blood vessels and loose connective tissue and a peripheral cortex, containing numerous ovarian follicles at different stages of development in all the age groups. The ovaries at birth contained antral follicles that were smaller. However, large antral follicles with the attributes of completing meiosis I and ovulating were observed as from 12 weeks of age. Corpus albicans were observed as from 16 weeks of age. These findings suggest that the WAD goat probably attains puberty earlier than reported in literature.

Keywords: Ovary; Ovarian follicles; West African Dwarf goats; Post-natal development; Female.

How to cite this article:
Abiaezute CN, Okorie KO and Nwaogu IC (2023). Ovarian follicular development during post-natal growth in the West African
Dwarf goat (Capra hircus). Journal of Veterinary and Applied Sciences, 13(2): 285 – 299.

* Correspondence: Clifford N. Abiaezute; E-mail: nwabugwu.abiaezute@mouau.edu.ng    Phone: +2348033741438

Download .pdf copy here >>