Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Placentas are classified anatomically based on the gross distribution of chorionic villi on the chorionic sac.
The four main types are diffuse, cotyledonary, zonary, and discoid.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us review the placental types across different domestic animal species:
1. Diffuse placenta: The chorionic villi are distributed uniformly over the entire surface of the chorion. This is found in the horse (mare) and the pig (sow).
2. Zonary placenta: The chorionic villi form a band or zone around the middle of the chorionic sac. This is characteristic of carnivores, including the dog (bitch) and the cat (queen).
3. Cotyledonary placenta: The chorionic villi are grouped into discrete, vascularized tufts called cotyledons, which interdigitate with maternal endometrial elevations called caruncles. The combined fetal-maternal structure is called a placentome. This is characteristic of ruminants, such as cattle, sheep, and goats.
4. Discoid placenta: The villi are concentrated in a single disc-shaped area, found in primates and rodents.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Therefore, cattle have a cotyledonary placenta.