The present study was carried out to understand the histo-chemical aspect and differences if any, present in the mammary gland of sheep and goat to investigate the variation present if any in the two species. The observations recorded showed, that in the present study, lamina propria of ducts, basement membrane of the alveoli, alveolar and ductal secretions as well as corpora amylacea were strongly positive for PAS, in both the species. The alveolar secretions and lamina propria of ducts were even seen to be very strongly positive for proteins in both the sheep as well as goat. Strong positive reaction for proteins was noted in blood vessels and corpora amylacea. The alveoli present in the mammary gland of both sheep and goat, showed homogenous fat droplets, within the lumen. However, the calcium deposits were also noted in the lumen of some alveoli and in the lumen of few ducts in the lactating gland and more number in non-lactating stages of the mammary gland in both the species.

Mammary gland, Teats, Muco-polysaccharides, Proteins, Fats

Various modifications which occur in the mammary gland throughout the lactation period in production animals, particularly in the small ruminants, sheep (Ovis aries) and goat (Capra hircus) will serve as a tool to understand its functionality as a milk production organ. The progressive increase in the importance of small ruminants in milk production, it is very essential to understand the modification pattern of mammary gland. It is very essential to improve dairy production, which can definitely achieved by understanding the changes in histo-chemical composition of various structures in the mammary gland throughout lactation.

Shilpa S. Modekar and Laxmanan Ruchika (2023). Histo-chemical Variation in the Mammary Gland of Sheep (Ovis aries) and Goat (Capra hircus). Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(12): 454-456.