Hair follicle measurements in some tropical and temperate breeds of cattle in Nigeria

Anatomical studies of the skin of mature White Fulani, N'Dama, Muturu and the Friesian cattle showed that there are significant regional and breeds differences in hair follicle density and depth. The hair follicle distribution per cm2 of skin was higher on the neck, ventral and the upper limb sites (2000 – 2496) than on the dorsal, midside and eye margins (1344 – 1920). Low densities were recorded on the horn margin, perineum and the lower limb sites (576 – 960). This regional distribution was consistent in all breeds except the White Fulani in which follicle densities were significantly lower for most body sites. Hair follicle depth was greater in the Friesians (1.63 ± 0.68 mm) than in the N'Dama (0.98 ± 0.13 mm), the White Fulani (0.91 ± 0.31 mm) and the Muturu (0.84 ± 0.25 mm) cattle. Among body sites, follicle depth was significantly greater on the horn margin, lower and upper limbs and the scrotum (1.16 – 1.48 mm) than on other body sites (0.86 – 0.98 mm). A significant negative correlation was found between hair follicle density and follicle depth.