Macroscopic and Microscopic Anatomy of the Omasum of the Baladi Goat

Abstract

Scanning and transmission electron microscopy were used to study anatomical and histological features of the omasum in Baladi goats. Omasal laminae were arranged in four or five orders and varied by shape, distribution and direction of papillae. Spaces were present in the interpapillary and papillary surfaces of the omasal laminae as well as at the tips of some conical papillae. The omasal epithelium was keratinized stratified squamous consisting of four strata basalis; spinosum; granulose and cornum. Cells in the stratum basalis contained mitochondria and free ribosomes and had finger-like cytoplasmic processes that connected with neighboring cells via desmosomes. The stratum spinosum was rich in tonofilaments, free ribosomes, and cisternae of rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER). The cytoplasm of cells in the stratum granulosum was marked by keratohyalin granules of varying sizes with electron-dense contents. The stratum corneum consisted of several layers of flat, elongated cornified cells with varied cellular constituents. This study identified anatomical and histological features that may be responsible for increased absorption of water and nutrients from the leafy material ingested by Baladi goats

Keywords

• omasal morphology, omasal papillae, Baladi goat, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy