Study on Anatomical Structures of the Dromedary Udder

Abstract

The objectives of the present study were to describe specific anatomical structures of the dromedary udder. Eighty-six dromedary udders were examined, taking morphological measurements and producing injection casts using resin, gelatin, and paraffin. The udder of the dromedaries consists of four quarters. The shape of the udders and teats varies considerably between animals and is influenced by age, breeding, and lactation status. The most frequently found udder form was the globular udder (48.8%) and the most common teat form in this study was the funnel teat (44.2%). The most common teat tip shape was a smooth or a slightly rough ring teat (61.6%). Injection casts showed a complete separation of the teat canals. There is also no communication between tributary mammary complexes. Resin injections of the glandular tissue adjacent to the teat cistern showed an extensive branching into large, medium, and small milk ducts. Frozen sections of the udder revealed complete separation of the right and left mammary complex through the Sulcus intermammarius. The teat sections showed longitudinal folds from the tip of the teat to the base of the teat. A ring fold at the transition from the Ductus papillaris to the teat cistern was present. The results of this study increase the knowledge of the anatomical structures of the dromedary udder, which may be useful for breeding a selection of dairy dromedaries.