author(s)
Poobitha S, Nair MG, Kumar R, Varshney KC, Uma Maheswari D, Uma S and Lakkawar AW

abstract
The morphometry of the thyroid glands from 72 apparently healthy cross-bred goat carcases (age-groups: < 6 months, n=20; 6 months to 1 year, n=28, above > 1 year to 3 years, n=24) were studied. Progressive age-related increase was noticed in the length, width, and weight of the thyroid glands. Haematoxylin and eosin sections were subjected to image analysis and the histomorphometric parameters (median follicular diameter MFD, follicular area MFA, follicular epithelial height, MFH) were determined. The MFD of < 6 m, 6 m-1 y and > 1 y- 3 y was 84.24 µm, 82.26 µm and 82.29 µm respectively. The MFA of < 6 m, 6 m-1 y and > 1 y- 3 y was 3824 µm², 3542 µm² and 3492 µm² respectively. The MFH follicular epithelial height of < 6 m, 6 m-1 y and > 1 y- 3 y was 2.98 µm, 2.8 µm and 2.0 µm respectively. The MFD of animals in 6 months and above was lower compared to < 6 months. The MFA and MFH showed a progressive decrease with increase in age the differences being significant (p< 0.05) between the various age-groups.