Gross, microanatomical and ultrastructural studies of interdigital gland in madras red sheep (Ovis aries) Dharani P.1, Kannan T.A.2,*, Gnanadevi R.3, Ramesh Geetha4, Balasubramanian S.5, Kalyaan U.S.6 1Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Namakkal-637 002, Tamil Nadu, India 2Education Cell, Madras Veterinary College, Chennai-600 007, Tamil Nadu, India 3Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Madras Veterinary College, Chennai-600 007, Tamil Nadu, India 4Directorate of Distance Education, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Nandanam-600 035, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India 5Directorate of Clinics, Madras Veterinary College Campus, Chennai-600 007, Tamil Nadu, India 6Department of Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Madras Veterinary College, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai-600 007, Tamil Nadu, India *Corresponding Author: T.A. Kannan, Education Cell, Madras Veterinary College, Chennai-600 007, Tamil Nadu, India, Email: kanns2000@gmail.com
Online Published on 5 January, 2024. Abstract Background Madras Red sheep is a well-recognized meat type breed reared only on free range system to yield tasty meat. The aim of this study was to determine the gross, microanatomical and ultrastructural details of the interdigital gland in Madras Red sheep. Methods The interdigital glands were removed immediately after slaughter and subjected for gross morphological, histological, immunohistochemical studies and ultrastructural observations. Result The results revealed that a well-developed tobacco-pipe shaped interdigital gland was present in all the four limbs which was composed of an orifice, excretory duct, body and bent or flexure. Histologically, wall of the gland was composed of epidermis, dermis and capsule from within outward. Epidermis was made of stratified squamous keratinized epithelium. Dermis was composed of dense irregular connective tissue with sweat, sebaceous glands, arrectores pili muscle and hair follicles were embedded within. The sweat gland appeared as group of tortuous tubules under scanning electron microscope. The oily secretion of the gland helps in maintaining the healthiness of foot during movement of the animal. Top Keywords Interdigital gland, Madras red sheep, Microanatomy, Ultrastructure. Top |