Pre-natal growth of the tongue and development of the lingual papillae in Sahel goats (Capra hircus)

Abstract

This study was carried out to investigate the growth of the tongue and the morphological development of lingual papillae in Sahel goat fetuses using the light microscopy. A total of 20 fetuses of the Sahel goat were used. Evidence of scanty connective tissues and blood vessel formation was observed as early as 9-10wks of gestation. The least tongue weight and length were 104.7±63.2g and 2.4±1.0cm at 6-7wks of gestation. The highest was 645.3±310.0g and 5.5±0.4cm in 15-17wks old respectively. Tongue mucosal epithelia were observed to be thickened with 4-6 layers of cells at 6-7wks of gestation. Papillary differentiations were evident with connective tissue and lamina propria underlying them by 12-13wks. By 15-17 wks of gestation
various papillae are distinguished by their heights and sizes. Rudiments of taste buds were also observed in vallate papillae at 15-17 wks of age.

Keywords: Pre-natal, growth, development, lingual papillae, Sahel goats