Vaginal cytological changes in the cycling and anoestrous Angora goat doe

The general smear pattern in the oestrous doe was characterised by a copious flow of thin clear mucus which formed distinct fernlike crystallisation patterns. Following ovulation the cervical secretion became a thick white cheesy mass containing large numbers of cellular elements and debris. The luteal period, as well as anoestrus was marked by a scant serous secretion which formed no crystallisation patterns. Leukocytes occurred in varying quantities throughout the cycle. Desquamation of the vaginal epithelium reached a high level during late oestrus when large numbers of cornified cells occurred in the smear. It is concluded that the cytological changes in the vaginal epithelium of the Angora doe appeared to be influenced by cyclical ovarian activity and could be used to assess ovarian oestrogenic activity.