Pre-natal growth of the tongue and development of the lingual papillae in Sahel goats ( Capra hircus )

This study was carried out to investigate the growth of the tongue and the morphological development of lingual papillae in Sahel goat fetuses using the light microscopy. A total of 20 fetuses of the Sahel goat were used. Evidence of scanty connective tissues and blood vessel formation was observed as early as 9-10wks of gestation. The least tongue weight and length were 104.7±63.2g and 2.4±1.0cm at 6-7wks of gestation. The highest was 645.3±310.0g and 5.5±0.4cm in 15-17wks old respectively. Tongue mucosal epithelia were observed to be thickened with 4-6 layers of cells at 6-7wks of gestation. Papillary differentiations were evident with connective tissue and lamina propria underlying them by 12-13wks. By 15-17 wks of gestation various papillae are distinguished by their heights and sizes. Rudiments of taste buds were also observed in vallate papillae at 15-17 wks of age. Keywords : Pre-natal, growth, development, lingual papillae, Sahel goats