HISTOLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF MAMMARY-GLANDS IN ALPINE IBEX (CAPRA-I-IBEX L) DURING PREGNANCY

On the basis of biopsy samples, the development of normal mammary glan ds of 29 alpine ibex (Capra i. ibex L.) during pregnancy were investig ated histologically. The results were compared with well-known data of udder development of some domestic species, in particular of goats. F our different phases of udder development have been discerned. The fir st phase, up to 10 weeks ante partum, is characterized by a non lactat ing mammary gland. In the second phase, 8 to 9 weeks ante partum, arbo rization of the lobular ducts and formation of true alveoli take place . In alpine ibex this occurs relatively late, shortly before the begin ning of the last third of pregnancy. The third phase is initiated by t he beginning of a sparse lipid secretion. The first lipid droplets app ear at about 6 weeks ante partum. During the last phase, 4 weeks ante partum up to birth, strong secretion and accumulation of lipids are pr edominant. The development of the udder in alpine ibex begins approxim ately one month later than in goats, and was observed to be more simil ar to the development of swine mammary glands.