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Physiology of Pregnancy in Tropically Adapted Cattle. I. Morphological Changes in the Cow in Relation to Fetal Development

National Council for Scientific Research, Zambia^,2

Abstract

A total of 16 Angoni (Zebu) and 12 Barotse (Sanga) cows were slaughtered at 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 months of pregnancy, and soon after calving. Gross changes in the fetal and maternal endocrine organs and reproductive tracts in relation to fetal body development were examined. The fetal endocrine organs and the reproductive tracts followed the general pattern of the somatic growth of the fetus. Crown-rump lengths were less than 20 cm at 3 months, and thereafter increased by approximately 10 cm at monthly intervals and reached a length of 71.6 cm at birth. Large follicles and in some cases cysts were first observed in fetal ovaries after 6 months, and partial descent of the testes at 4 months. The number of cotyledons for the Angoni ranged from 63 to 113 and for the Barotse from 47 to 120 centimeters. The results were discussed in comparison with data reported for European breeds.

¹ The authors are indebted to Messrs. S. Chilinda. Y. Kapyanga and the late J. Nguluwe for technical assistance.

² Physiology Laboratories, P.O. Box 49, Chilanga, via Lusaka Zambia.