Growth and development of the ovary and follicle pool from birth to puberty in the goat (Capra hircus)

Abstract

The ovaries from 50 non-descript female goats of day old to 12 months age were collected and were divided into 6 groups based on their age. Germinal epithelium of the ovary of goat was lined by cuboidal epithelium but at few placed was also lined by squamous epithelium. As age advanced the germinal epithelium was disappeared, tunica albugenia was predominant. In the entire prepubertal period in goats, the ovarian cortex and medulla were not distinguished from each other microscopically but were intermingled with each other. As age advanced the number of follicles was reduced significantly in the peripheral cortex large quantity of scar tissue was appeared. Large numbers of atretic follicles as preantral and antral follicles were observed in 2nd group animals. Some of the ovaries in V group showed binucleated primary follicles in the peripheral cortex and in deeper cortex it consisted of large sized growing tertiary follicles with cumulus oophorus, anturum and distinct ovum surrounded by zona pellucida which indicated the age of maturity. Medulla consisted of large number of blood vessels and connective tissue fibers along with cut sections of nerve fibers at the hilus. As age advances the size of blood vessels increased and number of blood vessels were reduced.