A study was conducted to elucidate normal gross morphometrical and histological features in heart of 21 goats at different stages of postnatal development ranging from birth to three years. The specimens were divided into three age groups viz., group-I (less than 6 months), group-II (6 to 12 months) and group-III (above 12 months to 3 years). The goat heart was somewhat flattened cone shaped and consisted of four chambers. The mean values of length, maximum width and circumference at base of the heart increased significantly from birth to 3 years. The length of cranial and caudal borders of heart as well as length and maximum width of right and left ventricles showed significant increase with age. The mean heart weight and mean volume were 160.17 ±15.02 g and 162.13 ±14.53 cc, respectively in between above 12 months to 3 years. The wall of all four chambers of the heart was consisted of three layers viz., epicardium, myocardium and endocardium. The epicardium was composed of mesothelium and thin sheet of loose connective tissue. Myocardium was formed by cardiac muscle bundles embedded in loose connective tissue and oriented in various directions. Purkinje fibres were observed between myocardial bundles and endocardium. Group of adipose cells was also noticed in the endocardium layer of adult goats. Gross morphometrical data of goat heart at various stages of development would help diagnosis and treatment of cardiac diseases in goats.

Highlights

• Recorded gross external and internal mean biometric values of heart in different age groups of postnatal goats.
• Histomorphology of atrial and ventricular walls of goat heart.