Journal of Veterinary and Applied Sciences

Abstract
Knowledge of the developmental anatomy of the oesophagus is necessary for any effective intervention in the handling of oesophageal malformations and disorders. This study elucidated the pre-natal changes in the morphology of the oesophagus of the Red Sokoto goat (Capra hircus). Twenty-eight foetuses of different gestational ages obtained from slaughter houses in Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria were used for the study. The foetal ages were estimated using the crown-rump length method. Parameters of the oesophagi were measured, and then they were divided into cranial, middle and caudal segments before fixing in 10% neutral buffered formalin. Sections of each segment were processed for light microscopic examination. The results showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the oesophageal weights and lengths as the fetuses advanced in age. Histologically, at gestational age day (GAD) 42, the epithelia of all segments of the oesophagus were stratified and composed of outer polyhedral shaped cells. The tunica muscularis was a thin layer of skeletal muscles. Lamina muscularis mucosae of skeletal muscles were first observed in all segments at GAD 54, and glandular tissues in the tunica mucosa of only the cranial segment was observed at GAD 63. The tunics of the oesophagus were at advanced stages of development at GAD 102 with a well-defined stratified squamous epithelium, prominent lamina muscularis mucosae and a well-developed tunica muscularis in all segments, and also with additional well developed oesophageal glands in the cranial segment. At GAD 117, the four tunics of the foetal oesophagus were morphologically similar to that of an adult goat’s tunics. It was concluded that the prenatal development of the goat’s oesophagus progresses with increasing age of the foetus, and that the developments seen in the four tunics and the progressive change of the epithelium to keratinized stratified epithelium and the glandular tissues in the cranial oesophagus are changes in readiness for a ruminant life after birth.

Keywords: Red Sokoto goat; Capra hircus; Oesophagus; Prenatal development; Oesophageal glands; Lamina muscularis.

How to cite this article:
Okpe GC, Abiaezute CN and Okorie NU (2024). Prenatal development of the oesophagus of the Red
Sokoto goat (Capra hircus). Journal of Veterinary and Applied Sciences, 14(1): 510 – 520.

*Correspondence: E-mail: nwabugwu.abiaezute@unn.edu.ng Phone: +2348033741438