Skin follicle development in South African (SA) and SA x New Zealand
Angora goats
A.L. Parry, A.F. Death, H.B. Dick, C.M. Miller, A.J. Craven
New Zealand Pastoral and Agricultural Research Institute, Flock House
Agricultural Centre, Private Bag 1900, Bulls, New Zealand
Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production. 1993,
53: 327-330
Breed, sex and birth rank differences in follicle density and S/P
ratio were examined for South African (SA) and SAxNZ Angora goats. All
primary (P) follicles but few secondary (Sf) follicles were
mature at birth. Density of mature secondary (Sf) follicles increased
by 150% and 250% in the first month after birth, in SA and SAxNZ kids
respectively. Change in P and Sf+Si follicle density
followed an asymptotic slope. S/P ratio was 8.4 at birth and 9.9 at 6
months. Breed differences were apparent early in life but were not persistent
to 6 months of age. Sex by birth rank interactions at 4 and 6 months of age
showed that single males had an advantage over twin males in P and
S density (P<0.05) while twin females had an advantage over single
females (P<0.05). These differences are a likely result of differences in
nutritional advantage and changes in body size. S/P ratio was
unaffected by breed, sex and birthrank. The results show that initiation of
S follicles after birth was likely but inconsequential. Follicle density
and S/P ratio do not explain breed differences in fibre and kemp
production. Comparisons with other studies suggest that the SAxNZ Angora
would have a higher S/P ratio than the NZ Angora.
Keywords: NZSAPAB;
Angora goat; skin follicle development; breed; birth rank; sex.
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Last Updated 25-01-1997
