Anatomical, histological and genetic investigations of a sexually anomalous goat.

Abstract

An apparently female goat was masculine in appearance and had strong male-pattern libido and behaviour. The goat's DNA was subjected to PCR analysis and its reproductive system was examined anatomically and histologically. The external genitalia consisted of an apparent vulva in the normal position and a grossly enlarged clitoris. Two masses could be palpated lying subcutaneously in the inguinal region; when they were removed they had the macroscopic appearance of hypoplastic testes, and histologically they had atrophic tubules and prominent interstitial tissues. To exclude sex chimaerism, X and Y chromosome-specific targets were amplified by PCR, using bone marrow and muscle DNA templates. The goat had some Y chromosome-specific sequences such as SRY and BRY.I but lacked others, such as BOV97M.