Skin follicle development in the Australian cashmere goat

Follicle densities, S/P ratios and follicle number indices (FNI) of fibre-bearing primary (Pf) and secondary (Sf) follicles, and body weights, were taken sequentially on 224 kids at birth and at mean ages of 57, 107 and 301 days. All primary follicles but few secondary follicles were mature (fibre-bearing) at birth and Sf number increased 10 fold in the first 57 days after birth. A decline in Pf number was recorded between 57 and 107 days of age. SFNI’s, but not Sf density increased to weaning (107 days of age) then declined thereafter to 301 days of age. Single kids had higher (P < 0.01) SFNI than twin kids at all ages except birth, though Sf/Pf ratios of singles were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those of twins at 57 days of age only. At 107 and, 301 days of age, males had higher PFNI than females (24.8 v. 22.0 and 24-7 v. 22.0) and higher SFNI than females (179.0 v. 150.4 and 151.6 v. 131-1). Sex differences were not observed in Sf/Pf ratio. A description of follicle arrangement and accessory structures is given.