Morphometry of Bulbourethral Glands in Prenatal Goat (Capra hircus)

Abstract

The present study was conducted on the 30 male foetii of goat (Capra hircus) from 0-150 days of gestation, divided into five groups consisted of 6 animals in each group. At 52 days of gestation, paired primordia of bulbourethral gland was observed on either side, at the junction of pelvic urethra with penile urethra near the ischial arch. At 60 days of gestation, the gland became rounded pea shaped and covered by a distinct layer of bulboglandularis muscles. At 83 days of gestation, the gland became more solid and glandular whereas at 93 days of gestation, it became elliptical shape and was located very close to that of opposite side. The groove between them fainted at 98 days of gestation. At 150 days of gestation, the glands of either side detached from each other and moved towards the lateral aspect of pelvic urethra. The left bulbourethral gland was significantly larger and heavier than the right gland throughout the gestation period.