J.C.  Shawulu, H.D.  Kwari, A.Y.  Abgyal, 
    Pre-Natal Growth of the Tongue and Development of the Lingual Papillae in Sahel Goats (<I>Capra hircus</I>),
    Agricultural Journal,
    Volume 7,Issue 1,
    2012,
    Pages 5-9,
    ISSN 1816-9155,
    aj.2012.5.9,
    (https://makhillpublications.co/view-article.php?doi=aj.2012.5.9)
    Abstract: This study was carried out to investigate the growth of the tongue and the morphological development of lingual papillae in Sahel goat fetuses using the light microscopy. A total of 20 fetuses of the Sahel goat were used. Evidence of scanty connective tissues and blood vessel formation was observed as early as 9-10 weeks of gestation. The least tongue weight and length were 104.7&plusmn;63.2 g and 2.4&plusmn;1.0 cm at 6-7 weeks of gestation. The highest was 645.3&plusmn;310.0 g and 5.5&plusmn;0.4 cm in 15-17 weeks old, respectively. Tongue mucosal epithelia were observed to be thickened with 4-6 layers of cells at 6-7 weeks of gestation. Papillary differentiations were evident with connective tissue and lamina propria underlying them by 12-13 weeks. By 15-17 weeks of gestation various papillae are distinguished by their heights and sizes. Ruduments of taste buds were also observed in vallate papillae at 15-17 weeks of age.
    Keywords: Pre-natal;growth;development;lingual papillae;Sahel goats;fetuses