<div style="text-align: justify;">Anti- Mullerian hormone (AMH) appears to be the best biochemical-endocrine marker in assessing the age-related decline of the ovarian follicular reserve. There is inadequate information on age-related changes in peripheral AMH concentrations in goats (Capra hircus). The present study thus aimed (i) to investigate the responsiveness of the ovary to gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) challenge to release plasma AMH into circulation in view of addressing the question whether ovarian secretion of AMH would be affected by gonadotrophic status in goats and (ii) to determine plasma AMH concentrations at different ages in goats (n= 82) using enzyme immune-assay technique. Data on hormonal concentrations in GnRH-treated animals as well as in different ages of animals were analyzed by nonparametric one-way repeated measure ANOVA and one-way ANOVA, respectively. There was no change (P&gt;0.05) of plasma AMH concentrations after GnRH challenge in experimental goats. Plasma AMH concentrations changed significantly (P&lt;0.05) between the mean rank of the related groups over the time (age) in goats. Plasma AMH concentration at 3 months of age was 0.36 &plusmn; 0.04 ng/ ml and thereafter it started increasing and reached &sup3; 2 ng/ ml between 3 and 4 years of age and then showed a progressive decline from 5 years of age and reached at 0.30 &plusmn; 0.07 ng/ ml at 10 years of age. A cubic model was found to be the best fitted model that delineated the change of plasma AMH level with age. Hence, the present study indicated that peripheral AMH concentration could be a useful management tool for the selection of goats in breeding programmes.</div>

Age-specific peripheral anti-m&uuml;llerian hormone concentrations in goats&nbsp;(capra hircus)

<div>Background:&nbsp; Adrenal gland is an important endocrine gland that secrets several hormones that play a key role in the adaptation of the newborn to extra uterine life. The study was conducted to explore the histomorphological development of adrenal glands in Gohilwadi Goat (Capra hircus). 
 
Methods: The research work was carried out on twenty pair of goat adrenal gland collected from local abattoir. The animals were divided into three age groups, viz. group- I (day old to 1 month), group- II (&gt;1 month to 6 months) and group- III (&gt;6 months).&nbsp; 
 
Result: Histological observations revealed that the gland was fully differentiated into cortex and medulla, completely surrounded by a dense fibrous capsule in the day old goats. In group- I, adrenal cortex was made up of definite and foetal cortex, whereas former one comprised of zona glomerulosa and zona fasciculata only. Small to elongate foetal cortical cells were characterized by eosinophilic cytoplasm and arranged into irregular cords. In group II, the foetal cortex disappeared and only definite cortex was present with well-developed three zones i.e. Zona glomerulosa, zona fasciculata and Zona reticularis. Zona glomerulosa was the smallest of the three cortical zones and thickness increased from group-I to group-III. The zona fasciculata was the largest among the three cortical zones in all the age groups and thickness increased from group-I to group-III. Zona reticularis was well organized in the adrenal gland of adult Gohilwadi goat. Medulla occupied greater proportion of the gland and inner medullary cells were the main cellular constituent of medulla. Thickness of medulla increased from group-I to group-III.</div>

Age Related Histoarchitectural Studies on the Adrenal Gland of Goat (Capra hircus)

<div>To further to understand the structure and function of the TAC1 gene, we cloned the full-length cDNAs of the TAC1 genes from goat by rapid amplification of cDNA ends-PCR and the qRT-PCR was used to analyze the TAC1 mRNA expression patterns of goat various tissues. The full-length cDNA of goat TAC1 was 1176 bp, with a 339 bp open reading frame encoding 112 amino acids. The amino acid sequence analysis revealed that goat TAC1 gene encoded a water-drain protein and its relative molecular weight and isoelectric point was 13,012.86 Da and 6.29 respectively. Alignment and phylogenetic analyses revealed that their amino acid sequences were highly similar to those of other vertebrates. TAC1 expression of the goat of the brain, cerebellum, medulla oblongata, heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney, uterus, ovaries. These results serve as a foundation for further study on the Capra hircus TAC1 gene.</div>

<div>Molecular cloning, characterization and tissue specificity of the expression in the TAC1 genes from Henan Huai goat (Capra hircus)</div>

<div>Background: A very little study has been conducted on the phylogenetic diversity of Nepalese indigenous goats where four breeds, Khari, Chyangra, Terai and Sinhal, have been identified.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: The 625-bp long sequences of the mitochondrial DNA hyper-variable region obtained from 93 goats in this study revealed high haplotype diversity among breeds, which come under four haplogroups (A-D). 
 
Result: The study demonstrated a certain level of gene flow among the neighboring goat populations exhibiting no correspondence between the geographic regions of origin and relationships among breeds. The complex mtDNA diversity and structure identified among indigenous Nepalese goats can be explained by gene flow through ancient trading and the current &lsquo;free&rsquo; movement of goats across the geographic vicinities in India and China. Furthermore, HapG B showed the southward direction of gene flow which does not cross the Himalayas, whereas HapG B1 revealed the South-West gene flow from the claimed domestication center for HapG B, China, to Nepal.</div>

Origin and Genetic Diversity of Nepalese Indigenous Goats (Capra hircus)

<div style="text-align:justify">
Background: Skin is a versatile organ, which is extremely important for protection, perception, water regulation and wound healing. The skin of goat is considered extremely durable used by the tannery Industry to make rugs and carpet binding. 
&nbsp;

Methods: The present study was conducted on the skin of goats of either sex to study the age wise changes in the histomorphology, histochemistry and histoenzymology of dermis. The skin samples were collected from Nagpur Muncipal Corporation Slaughter house immediately after natural death and subsequently processed and stained for histological, histochemical and histoenzymic studies. The total of 220 samples, 20 each from different body regions namely dorsal neck, lateral neck, ventral neck, dorsal thorax, lateral thorax, ventral thorax, dorsal abdomen, lateral abdomen, ventral abdomen, lateral thigh and medial thigh were collected. The animals were divided into two groups, viz. six to twelve month of age (Gr I) and above one year age (Gr II). 
&nbsp;

Result: It was observed that the dermis was composed of collagen, elastic, reticular fibers, cells of connective tissue, blood vessels, nerves, hair follicles, sweat glands, sebaceous glands and arrector pili muscles in all body regions in Gr I as well as in Gr II. The dermis was divided into thin superficial papillary layer and a thick deep reticular layer. The dermal papillae were the upward projections of superficial papillary layer between epidermal pegs. In reticular layer, fibroblasts were larger, while in papillary layer, fibroblasts were thin long, compressed and spindle shaped. The collagen fibers were more in number as compared to other fibers in dermis and they were densely arranged in papillary layer and parallel with the skin surface below the epidermis. The elastic fibers were present in between the collagen fibers around the blood vessels and hair follicles. The arteriovenous shunt was found surrounded by capsule of connective tissue consisting of smooth muscle cells. The more number of hair follicles at deep part of papillary layer and few follicles were present in reticular layer. The hair follicle composed of outer root sheath, inner root sheath, cortex and medulla. The depth of primary hair follicle increased with the advancement of age. Moderate PAS positive activity was noted in the papillary layer, while it was weak to moderate in reticular layer. The reticular layer of the dermis showed moderate Sudan black B activity for the presence of lipid than the papillary layer. The mild acid phosphatase activity was seen in the papillary and reticular layer of dermis, while moderate acid phosphatase activity was noticed in the blood vessels. A mild alkaline phosphatase activity was present in dermis in Gr I and Gr II. 
&nbsp;

Conclusion: The present study would form a baseline data on the histomorphology, histochemistry and histoenzymology of skin of goat which would be helpful in future research prospective.
</div>

Histomorphological, Histochemical and Histoenzymic Studies on the Dermis of Skin of Goat (Capra hircus)

<div style="text-align: justify;">A study was undertaken to appraise the macro anatomical development of fore stomach of foetal goat. For this study 36 foeti/ embryos were divided into three groups viz. Group I (0-50 days of gestation), II (51-100 days of gestation) and III (101 days of gestation to till term) having 12 foeti in each group. All the four compartments of the goat stomach were clearly discernible by 38 days of gestation. Under stereozoom microscope, by 34 days of gestation the digestive tube showed three dilatations and two constrictions. Quadrilateral rumen was placed on left side of the median plane between 8thrib to 1st lumbar vertebra at term. Except cranio- dorsal coronary groove all other ruminal grooves were discernible before birth. Large dorsal and small ventral sacs were noticed at 46 days of gestation. Fine ruminal papillae were noticed from 90 days onwards. The reticulum became cranial most compartment of stomach after 50 days. Pear-shaped reticulum was placed on left side of the abdominal cavity in group I and pushed to just left of the median plane after 50 days of gestation. Near term (134 days), it was extended between 7th to 9th rib. Internally the reticulum showed honey comb-like folds at 107 days of intra uterine life. Originally the circular omasum was placed on the left of median plane and from 55 days onwards gradually shifted to the right side. During gestation, a cranial ascent of the omasum was noticed with its placement between 9th -11th ribs at term. &nbsp;Under stereozoom microscope, leaf-like omasal lamina was observed from 38 days of gestation. Primary, secondary, tertiary and quarterly laminae were observed on 38, 51, 55 and 87 days of gestation, respectively. Statistical analysis of the data revealed that biometrical parameters of fore stomach increased significantly with advancement of age and were highly significantly correlated with each other.</div>

Gestational variations in the macro anatomy of the fore stomach of goat&nbsp;(Capra hircus)

Background: The proposed experiment was aimed at locating the spermatogonial stem cell niches inside the testis and to characterise the development of germ cells of testis in the non- descript goats at the different stages of pre and post natal life, which could be useful in selecting the goats for breeding at appropriate time and for other interventions related to reproductive developments in the goats.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: The present study was conducted on the testes of non-descript goats divided into three groups, viz. neonatal (within 1 month), prepubertal (from 1-18 months) and pubertal (above 18 months) with 10 healthy animals in each group. The collected samples of testis were processed for scanning electron microscopic study and subsequently, the samples were viewed and the photographs were taken in the facility available at Central Instrumentation Facility (CIF), OUAT, Bhubaneswar.&nbsp; 
 
Result: The present study revealed that the testis was surrounded by the tunica albuginea, a thin capsule of connective tissue, from which thin septum originated and extended into the inside of the organ. Among these septa, the seminiferous tubules were found. The seminiferous epithelium consisted of spermatogonial cells at different stages of development separated from each other by interstitial connective tissue. The interstitium was made up of randomly arranged collagen bundles. The intertubular vascular connective tissue contained Leydig cells mainly at wider locations where they were bounded by more than two seminiferous tubules. The mediastinal rete testis area contained many cavities of many intercommunicating channels supported by connective tissue pillars. The present study helped in developing a baseline data on the ultrastructural characteristics of seminiferous epithelium, rete restis, peritubular cells, Lyedig cells and other components of testis in non-descript goat at different post natal stages under study. The appearance of seprmatogonial cell lineage at the various post natal stages in non-descript goat would help in accessing the reproductive status of the animal.

Ultrastructural Characterization of Testis in Non-descript Goat (Capra hircus)

Isolation of goat spermatogonial stem cells (gSSC) from pre-pubertal testes (3 to 6 months of age) by double enzymatic digestion is reported. The isolated cells were further enriched for spermatogonial stem cell population by filtration through 80- and 60-&micro;m nylon mesh filters, followed by differential plating on DSA-Lectin coated dishes. After overnight incubation, the unattached cells (putative gSSCs) were cultured on sertoli cell feeder layers in SSC medium, composed of DMEM supplemented with 10% FBS, GDNF (Glial cell line derived neurotrophic factor, 40 ng mL-1), bFGF (Basic fibroblast growth factor, 10 ng mL-1) and EGF (Epidermal growth factor, 10 ng mL-1). After 10-15 days, the putative SSCs started to develop and the cultures were maintained till the colonies stopped growing. The colonies were characterized for their affinity to Dolichos biflorus Agglutinin (DBA), alkaline phosphatase (AP) activity and various spermatogonial stem cell markers (PLZF, THY1, UCHL1, BCL6B and ID4). The developed colonies were positive for DBA, AP and all other markers, which is an indication of their being spermatogonial stem cells. In the present study, goat SSCs have been successfully isolated and characterized and the culture conditions will be improved further for developing more efficient and long term in vitro spermatogonial stem cell culture system in goat.

Derivation, enrichment and characterization of goat (Capra hircus) spermatogonial stem cells from pre-pubertal testes

Development of goat spleen at various stages of gestation was studied. Primordium of spleen was observed on 46th day of gestation in close proximity to the developing rumen. All the parameters viz. length, width, thickness and weight were increased with advancement of age. Differentiating capsule and trabeculae were noticed on 69th day and 102th days of gestation, respectively. Reticular, collagen and elastic fibers were noticed at 60, 55 and 124 days of gestation, respectively. Red and white pulp was not fully differentiated till term.&nbsp;

Morphological and cytological differentiation of goat spleen (Capra hircus)

<div style="text-align: justify;">The gross studies were conducted on the thymus of 18 postnatal Surti goats. Three distinct parts of thymus were recognized viz., unpaired thoracic part, caudally situated paired body (cervical part) and right and left cranial parts from day old kid to 9 months. The cranial parts were not observed from the age of 12 months onwards. The caudal cervical part of thymus was gradually replaced by adipose tissue between 14 to 48 months, however, traces of thymus embedded within the adipose tissue was observed in cranial mediastinum even at the age of 48 months. The right limb of cervical thymus was slightly longer than the left limb in postnatal Surti goats. The maximum mean weight (26.850 &plusmn; 2.885 g) and volume (22.333 &plusmn; 2.275 cc) of thymus was recorded between 4 to 9 months. Relative weight of thymus was 0.39% in neonatal kids, which was much higher as compared to 0.015 % in adult Surti goats. Negative correlation was observed between age and weight of thymus during 12 to 48 months.</div>

Age-specific peripheral anti-müllerian hormone concentrations in goats (capra hircus)

Age Related Histoarchitectural Studies on the Adrenal Gland of Goat (Capra hircus)

Molecular cloning, characterization and tissue specificity of the expression in the TAC1 genes from Henan Huai goat (Capra hircus)

Origin and Genetic Diversity of Nepalese Indigenous Goats (Capra hircus)

Histomorphological, Histochemical and Histoenzymic Studies on the Dermis of Skin of Goat (Capra hircus)

Gestational variations in the macro anatomy of the fore stomach of goat (Capra hircus)

Ultrastructural Characterization of Testis in Non-descript Goat (Capra hircus)

Derivation, enrichment and characterization of goat (Capra hircus) spermatogonial stem cells from pre-pubertal testes

Morphological and cytological differentiation of goat spleen (Capra hircus)

Age related gross morphological studies on the thymus in postnatal Surti goat (Capra hircus)