Uterine involution in the post-partum Balady goat

Abstract

Twenty post-partum Balady goats (primiparous n=10; pluriparous, n=10) were slaughtered at different intervals between the day of parturition and day 37 post-partum (PP). Macroscopic changes included uteri weight and volume, and length of uterine body and horns were measured. Histomorphomolgical changes in the endometrial epithelium cell types and height, glands, stroma and caruncles were recorded. Macroscopic study indicated three phases of uterine regression. A fast involution phase extended from the time of parturition to day 7 PP, a second moderately fast uterine involution phase, which extended until day 13 PP and a slow phase that ended by day 19 PP. By day 19 PP, weight and volume were reduced to less than 5% of the weight recorded on day 1 PP, discharges completely cleared, caruncles completely regressed, horns became symmetrical and the uteri in these animals were not different from uteri of the nulliparous goats. Similarly, microscopic changes were classified into three overlapping phases: disappearance of secretory signs, degenerative and regenerative phases. Microscopic involution and complete regeneration of the caruncular epithelium was evident by day 19. In conclusion, the uterus reassumed normal non-gravid macroscopic and microscopic characteristics by day 19 PP and was unrelated to parity in Balady goats