Histomorphometry of auricula in prenatal goat

The study was undertaken to ascertain the extent of inter relationship and interdependence among length, head-length and auricular parameters in goat foetuses at different stages of development. The auricula was foliate in gr oup 1. The concavity of internal surface increased with the advancement of gestation. The length index of auricula, head and body was 1:2:7, 1:3:6 and 1:1:5:3 in groups 1, 2 and 3 respectively. Correlation coefficients reveal ed close and intense association between CR length and head-length and head length, and auricular parameters in all the age groups. Histological obser vations on the auricula revealed 4 layers - epidermis, dermis, subcutis and cartilage from surface to the interior. Hair follicles developed in group 2. The sebaceous and sweat glands were not evident even in the specimen of group 3. All the auricular parameters except length revealed higher increas e in early stage of gestation than in late stages.