Wool follicle development in New Zealand Romney and N-type sheep. 3. Diameters of follicles and fibres

Abstract

The diameters of the primary and secondary follicles hare been measured in N type and New Zealand Romney foetuses. It is shown that the primary effect of the N gene is on the primary follicle papilla and fibre size, not on overall follicle size A secondary pleiotropic effect is on the primary follicles, which Increase in diameter as a result of growing large fibres There do not appear to be any other effects of the dominant N gene up to 126 days after conception, either on the follicle population or on the growth of the foetus.