Skin follicle types, ratios, and population densities in Rajasthan sheep breeds

Abstract

Observations are reported of skin follicle types, ratios, population densities, and percentages of medullated fibres in four Rajasthan sheep breeds – Chokla, Marware, Jaisalmere, and Malpura. Data from three body regions – shoulder, side, and breech – were available for a total of 21 sheep, and for 12 more there were observations for at least one of the three regions. The Chokla breed had the highest total and highest primary follicle population density (9.4 and 3.1 per mm² respectively), as well as the highest ratio of secondary to primary follicles (2.1) and the lowest percentage medullation (24 per cent. of all fibres, 2 per cent. of secondary fibres). The Malpura breed had the lowest total and lowest primary follicle population density (5.6 and 2.5 per mm²), and was equal with the Marware breed for the lowest ratio (1.3). The Malpura breed had the highest percentage medullation (77 per cent. of all fibres, 60 per cent. of secondary fibres). Of the three body regions studied, the side had the highest ratio of secondary to primary follicles in all four breeds, while the breech had the highest percentage of medullated secondary fibres. The percentage of medullated primary fibres in the breech was equal to or greater than that in either of the other regions.