Ultrasonographic, endocrinological, histological and cytogenetic features of true hermaphroditism in a Beetal goat
Summary True hermaphroditism, defined as coexistence of ovarian and testicular tissues, is a rare disorder of sexual development in goats. This report documents a 1‐month‐old Beetal goat kid, phenotypically female but exhibiting male‐type behaviours such as mounting and vulva sniffing, along with an enlarged clitoris (1.4 cm). Clinical examination showed a shortened anogenital distance (1.3 cm), reduced vaginal length (2.5 cm), and a descended right testicle in the inguinal region. Ultrasonography revealed a fluid‐filled vagina (1.69 cm) and uterus (0.96 cm), from which 47 mL of turbid secretions were expelled. Surgical exploration confirmed the presence of both ovarian and testicular tissues. Histopathology showed testicular hypoplasia and endometrial hyperplasia, while endocrinology revealed elevated estradiol (38.98 pg/mL) and low progesterone (0.27 ng/mL). Although cytogenetic findings were inconclusive, recurrence of intersex kids in the lineage suggested a genetic basis. This report emphasises multidisciplinary diagnostics and the need for careful breeding management.
Authors
- Pururava Sharma (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1268-0352)
- Ankit Kumar Ahuja (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9199-6533)
- Pankaj Sood (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8766-3605)
- Amit Sharma
- Amod Kumar
- Pravesh Kumar
- Akshay Sharma
- Rakesh Kumar
Institutions
- Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya (IN)
- National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (IN)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Veterinary Record Case Reports
- Published
- 2026-10-15
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1002/vrc2.70668
- Primary Topic
- Sexual Differentiation and Disorders
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00