Histomorphological Studies on Rumen of Black Buck (Antelope cervicapra)

Abstract

The present study was conducted on rumen of six black bucks (Antelope cervicapra). The mucosal surface of rumen presented the papillae which varied in density, size and shape. The number of papillae varied from 2-3
papillae/microscopic field. Secondary papillae were absent. The epithelial pegs were more developed at the tips of the papillae than at the base and inter-papillae area. The core of the papillae was made up of irregular dense fibrous connective tissue with mainly collagen fibers along with some elastic and few reticular fibers with capillaries The rumen was lined by keratinized stratified squamous epithelium comprising of stratum basale, stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum and stratum corneum. The tunica submucosa was made up of loose connective tissue with collagen, elastic and reticular fibers. Tunica submucosa was blended into the lamina propria due to absence of lamina muscularis mucosae. Tunica muscularis had inner circular and outer longitudinal smooth muscle bundle. Tunica serosa was made up of loose connective tissue with large
amount of adipose tissue, blood vessels and nerves. Based on the thickness of the keratin layer and tunica muscularis of the rumen blackbuck species may be categorized as grazer type.