Comparative anatomy of the thyroid gland of small ruminants

Abstract

The topography and morphometry of the thyroid gland of Gaddi sheep and Gaddi goat was studied. The thyroid gland of Gaddi goat was larger and heavier than the Gaddi sheep, except length of the gland which was more in Gaddi sheep. The color was darker in Gaddi sheep. The gland was locat~d on the dorsolateral aspect of the trachea posterior to the larynx. Posterior margin of the gland varied in Gaddi sheep and Gaddi goat. The gland was almond shaped in both thl: species except the posterior margin of the gland in Gaddi sheep was more pointed and longer than that in Gaddi goals. In Gaddi goat isthmus connected the caudal poles of the t\'...·o lobes of the thyroid gland, whereas in Gaddi sheep the isthmus connected the 2 lob.es about half cm above their posterior ends.