Scanning Electron Microscopic Studies on the Development of Epididymis and Vas Deferens in Non-descript Goat (Capra hircus) during Postnatal Period

Background: The appearance and interaction of spermatozoa with the tubular epithelium is crucial for selection of non-descript goats for breeding purposes at the appropriate time. Further, various interventions can also be made for faster reproductive developments in the goats under study. Methods: The present study was conducted on the testes of non-descript goats divided into three groups, viz. neonatal (within 1 month), prepubertal (from 1-18 months) and pubertal (above 18 months) with 10 healthy animals in each group. The collected samples of testis were processed for scanning electron microscopic study and subsequently, the samples were viewed and the photographs were taken in the facility available at Central Instrumentation Facility (CIF), OUAT, Bhubaneswar. Result: It was found that the tunica vaginalis of both epididymis and vas deferens were having longitudinal and transverse folds with the depressions or troughs in between them. The epididymis and vas deferens were both lined by ciliated and non-ciliated types of cells. The ciliated cells showed tufts of cilia, where as the free surfaces of the non-ciliated cells were having microvilli. The luminal surface of the epididymal duct gave the appearance of a honeycomb due to the peculiar arrangement of stereocilia projecting from the columnar cells. Spermatozoa were found to be attaching with the epithelial cells of both epididymis and vas deferens, mostly in the pubertal goats. There was presence of apical protrusions on the non-ciliated cells in both epididymis and vas deferens. The luminal surface of vas deferens was raised at regular intervals giving wavy appearance with ridges and grooves. The present study would help in developing a baseline data on the scanning electron microscopic characteristics of different components of tunics of epididymis and vas deferens in non-descript goat at different stages of post-natal life under study.