Prenatal gross morphometrical studies on spleen with special reference to prediction of foetal age in Surti goat (Capra hircus)

A study was conducted to elucidate the topographic location and morphometry of the spleen in 30 Surti goat foetuses at different stages of their development ranging from 44 to 144 days (4.0 to 41.0 cm CRL). On the basis of CR length, the foetuses were divided into three age groups viz., group-I (4.0 to 11.6 cm CRL), group-II (12.2 to 26.8 cm CRL) and group-III (27.2 to 41.0 cm CRL). Special attempt has been made to fit prediction equation (stepwise regression) for estimation of approximate age of Surti goat foetuses by using splenic biometrics. The developing spleen was observed at the age of 44 days (4.0 cm CRL) in abdominal cavity close to the stomach. The shape of spleen was roughly quadrilateral in all age groups. The various spleen measurements viz., length, width, thickness, volume and weight increases in dimensions during different stages of development and all the changes were highly significant (P<0.01). The mean relative weight of spleen was maximum (0.15%) in group-III. Among splenic parameters, the length of spleen was found most important variable; which could be used for estimation of age using stepwise regression (R-2 = 0.97) model in Surti goat foetuses.