Gross anatomical studies on the lips of non-descript goats of Jammu region-An age related study

Abstract

The present study was carried out to provide age-related information on gross anatomical features and biometrical measurements of the upper and lower lips of non-descript goats of Jammu region. Samples of healthy goats (young, adult, and senile), regardless of gender, were collected from the slaughter house located in and around Jammu city. The lips were covered by skin on the outside and labial mucosa on its inner part. The skin of both the upper and lower lips was characterized by the presence of tactile hair along with ordinary hairs. The upper lip was divided by a vertical median philtrum surrounded by labial projections grouped on either side. Projections in upper lip were arranged in 3-4 rows. These projections were more rounded and smaller rostrally, became larger and arranged in single row caudally, finally merged with the conical buccal papillae. The free border of lower lip was thinner and presented single row of labial projections. The upper lip was longer than the lower lip in all the three age groups. In all age groups, the upper and lower lips were thicker along the oral angle than in the centre. The senile group had the longest philtrum but this difference was statistically non-significant (p>0.05). The number of lower lip projections were significantly greater in adult goats (p<0.05). Lower lip projections were higher than upper lip projections across all the three age groups.