Descriptive anatomy of the female reproductive organs in Thamin Eld’s deer (Rucervus eldii thamin) and Fea’s muntjac (Muntiacus feae) with utilizing of the glycerin impregnation technique for specimen preservation

Authors

• Paisan Tienthai, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn UniversityFollow
• pawana chuesiri, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn UniversityFollow
• Itti Boonorrana, Zoological Park Organization of Thailand under the Royal Patronage of H.M. The KingFollow
• Piyaporn Kongmakee, Zoological Park Organization of Thailand under the Royal Patronage of H.M. The KingFollow
• Ampika Thongphakdee, Zoological Park Organization of Thailand under the Royal Patronage of H.M. The KingFollow

Abstract

The reproductive anatomy of rare cervid species remains insufficiently documented, limiting comparative studies and preservation efforts. This study describes the anatomical details in the female reproductive organs of Thamin Eld’s deer (Rucervus eldii thamin) and Fea’s muntjac (Muntiacus feae), while the application of a modified glycerin impregnation technique was achieved for specimen preservation. Dissections of female reproductive tracts revealed morphological variations that correlate with the known female reproductive characteristics of domestic and closely related species. In both species, the ovaries were characterized as small, ovoid structures, exhibiting prominent follicles or corpora lutea consistent with the stage of the estrous cycle. The oviducts presented as highly convoluted tubules. The uterus was bicornuate, with elongated horns in Thamin Eld’s deer compared to the shorter horns in Fea’s muntjac. The cervix was characterized by six annular folds in Thamin Eld’s deer and four annular folds in Fea’s muntjac, both displaying complex cervical canals. Overall, the gross anatomy of the female reproductive tract in these cervids was consistent with the typical morphology observed in small ruminants. The tissue’s inherent flexibility, coloration, and anatomical integrity of both female reproductive tracts were preserved through modified glycerin impregnation. Accordingly, the resulting specimens retained exceptional anatomical detail, making them highly suitable for veterinary education, museum exhibition, and advanced research. These findings establish foundational anatomical benchmarks for Thamin Eld’s deer and Fea’s muntjac, advancing both comparative reproductive biology and conservation strategies. Furthermore, this study validates modified glycerin impregnation as a practical, less toxic option for the long-term preservation of delicate reproductive structures.

DOI

10.56808/2985-1130.4078

First Page

1

Last Page

10

Recommended Citation

Tienthai, Paisan; chuesiri, pawana; Boonorrana, Itti; Kongmakee, Piyaporn; and Thongphakdee, Ampika (2026) "Descriptive anatomy of the female reproductive organs in Thamin Eld’s deer (Rucervus eldii thamin) and Fea’s muntjac (Muntiacus feae) with utilizing of the glycerin impregnation technique for specimen preservation," The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine: Vol. 56: Iss. 3, Article 12.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56808/2985-1130.4078
Available at: https://digital.car.chula.ac.th/tjvm/vol56/iss3/12