UTTAR PRADESH JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY

This study presents a comparative gross and biometrical analysis of the heart in Gaddi sheep and Gaddi goats of Himachal Pradesh. Sixteen heart samples (eight from each species) were collected from healthy adult animals at a local abattoir. Gross anatomical observations revealed that the heart of both species was located ventrally within the mediastinum extending from the third to the sixth intercostal space. The heart of the goat appeared more conical as compared to the relatively less tapered heart of the sheep. In both species the heart exhibited a triangular shape with a blunt apex entirely formed by the left ventricle. A considerable amount of epicardial fat was observed on the surface of heart in both the species. Biometric analysis demonstrated that the mean heart weight was 107.5 ± 2.54g in Gaddi sheep and 113.8 ± 2.85 g in Gaddi goats. The mean length of the anterior border (base to apex) measured 68.0 ± 4.4 mm in sheep and 72.7 ± 2.2 mm in goats. The mean heart diameter was recorded as 174.0 ± 17.6 mm in sheep and 176.0 ± 3.0 mm in goats. Additional parameters including circumference at the coronary groove, thicknesses of the ventricular walls and moderator band and external diameters of the aorta and vena cava were also assessed. The comparative data indicated that most biometrical parameters were greater in Gaddi goats than in Gaddi sheep highlighting species-specific anatomical differences that may have physiological and clinical relevance.