Morphology and Histology of the Interdigital Gland in an Iranian Native Breed of Sheep

Many species of Artiodactyls possess well developed interdigital glands, which differ in terms of morphology and histology among different species. The aim of present study was to characterize the anatomical and histological characteristics of interdigital gland in Lori sheep. To conduct this research we selected 20 mature and healthy Lori sheep (in 2 different periods including breeding and non-breeding seasons) from a local slaughterhouse. The selected sheep were then sacrificed and their manus and pes were detached from the rest of limbs. After anatomical evaluation of interdigital glands in the laboratory, the samples were fixed in 10% formalin and afterwards processed for histological examinations. Seven micrometer sections were stained with H and E, PAS and Alcian blue methods. Anatomical and histological results that were observed in this study can be summarized as follows: the mean weight, length, width, thickness of the interdigiral gland and its duct length in this sheep were 1.16 g, 15.80, 7.60, 7.71 and 26.06 mm, respectively. The characters that were measured in 2 different seasons showed a significant increase in breeding season compared to non-breeding season. The lumen of gland and its duct is filled with wool fibers along with secretions of apocrine and sebaceous glands and desquamated cells detached from lining epithelial tissue.