Histomorphologic and Histochemical Characteristics of Carpal Glands (Glandulae Carpeae) in Domestic Swine (Sus scrofa domesticus) and Wild Swine (Sus scrofa ferus)

Investigations were carried out on samples from carpal glands of domestic and wild swine of different ages. The anatomic position of carpal glands is identical in domestic and wild swine. Glandular acini in domestic swine are bigger and more scarce than in wild swine. LDH activity is more intense in wild swine, while the activity of the investigated diaphorases is almost even. The activity alkaline and acid phosphatase is stronger in domestic swine, while the activity of non-specific esterases is present only in wild animals. The more or less manifest presence of all investigated enzymes indicates that carpal glands in domestic and wild porcine specimens are very active metabolically. Regarding the intensity of enzymatic reactions, some differences are probably due to different sexual maturity, as well as to the method of feeding and housing in these groups of animals.