MORPHOLOGICAL-STUDY OF THE SURFACE-STRUCTURE OF THE OMASAL LAMINAE INCATTLE, SHEEP AND GOATS

The mucosal relief of the omasum in cattle, sheep and goats was examin ed by the naked eye, stereoscopic microscope and scanning electron mic roscope. The mucosal relief of the omasum showed wide variations both between and within these species. Omasal papillae on the laminae varie d highly in shape, i. e. conical, rounded, claw-like, wart-like, finge r-like etc. They decreased gradually in size from the oral to the abor al region of the omasal lamina. Ridge-like structures and linear arran gements of the papillae were also seen on the omasal laminae of cattle and sheep. Many grooves and folds were found on the lateral surface o f the omasal papillae in adult cattle and on the inter-papillar surfac e of the laminae of all three species. The mucosal relief of the omasu m in cattle seemed to be more well-developed than those of sheep and g oats. Dietary effects on the omasal mucosa were also discussed.