Effect of Lactation on Mammary Gland in Madras Red Ewe –An Histomorphometric Study

Abstract

The objective of this study was to explore the histomorphometric investigation in the mammary gland of
indigenous sheep breed “Madras Red”. The present study was conducted in adult lactating and non
lactating (n =6 each) Madras Red ewes. The mammary gland in ewes was a compound tubulo-alveolar
gland surrounded by a connective tissue capsule. The alveoli were the principal secretory unit lined by
simple cuboidal epithelium. Well-developed alveoli, filled with secretions and lipid droplets were observed
in lactating animals. The non-lactating alveoli contained obliterated lumen without lipid droplets. The
connective tissue stroma was well developed in non-lactating animals. Alveolar and intralobular ducts
were lined by simple cuboidal epithelium. Interlobular and large lactiferous ducts were lined by bilayered
cuboidal epithelium. Significant difference was observed in the length of lobule, breadth of lobule, number
of alveoli per lobule, alveoli size, alveolar luminal diameter, nucleus diameter, thickness of interalveolar
septa and thickness of interlobular septa.