Morphological and Histological Analysis of the Uterus in Adult Female Goats for Understanding Reproductive Health and Function

Background: Optimizing goat reproduction is essential for productivity, influenced by factors like climate and breed. The uterus, crucial for fertilization and parturition, lacks detailed study despite its significance. This study aimed to identify and distinguish variations in the histomorphological and histochemical characteristics of the uterus in female local goats. Methods: Ten samples of female local goats were purchased from various butchers and abattoirs in Al-Anbar and Al-Falluja during October 2022. Uterine samples were fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin and Bouin’s solution for histochemical staining. Sections of 6 µm thickness were stained with hematoxylin-eosin, Masson’s Trichrome, Alcian blue (pH 2.5), and Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) stains. Results: Gross examination revealed a bicornuate uterus with distinct anatomical features, including short body and long horns tapering and lying parallel to each other. Microscopic analysis exposed significant structural alterations in the uteruses of adult goats, particularly in the development of endometrial glands and the thickness of the myometrium. Histochemical staining showed intense PAS reactivity in the endometrium. Conclusion: These findings showed valuable insights into goat reproductive anatomy, comparable to other ruminants, and shed light on uterine functionality. The absence of caruncles in the cranial uterine horn and mucopolysaccharides presence underscore significant reproductive mechanisms. This study contributes to understanding goat reproductive physiology, with implications for breeding and reproductive health management.