Reproductive tract morphomerty, foetal dimensions and some biochemical characteristics of tubal and foetal fluids in Caprine females during digestion

Abstract

The changes in genital tract morphometry, foetal dimensions, the relative volumes of foetal fluids during gestation was evaluated in Red Sokoto (Maradi) does using 28 gravid genitalia. Based on the ages of the fetuses, each genitalia was classified into one of the three phases of gestation namely: early, mid and late gestation for a comparison of all the parameters. While both the uterus and placenta were significantly enlarged, (P<0.05) at mid and late gestation, other morphometric characteristics of reproductive organs were similar (P>0.05) between the ages of gestation. There were significant increases in all foetal dimensions namely: foetal weight, total length, crown rump length, curved crown-rump length, vertebral column length and vertebral column and tail length at mid gestation as well as late gestation. Besides the significant increase in total protein in the allantoic fluid, the biochemical characteristics in the foetal fluid were all unaffected by the state of gestation (P>0.05) throughout the period of gestation. This work provides base line information on foetal development in relation to the intrauterine environment in the Red Sokoto breeb. Such information will be useful in breeding programmes aimed at the improvement of this breed in Nigeria.