Department of Livestock Production and Management, Madras Veterinary College, Chennai - 600 007, India.
*This forms part of M.V.Sc., thesis submitted by first author to Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai - 600 051.
A study on skin follicles and its relationship with wool characteristics of Nilgiri, Merino and its crosses was carried out. Statistical analysis revealed a highly significant (P<0.01) negative correlation between S/P ratio and fibre diameter in Nilgiri and Merino, but Nilgiri × Merino had a non-significant negative correlation. A highly significant (P<0.01) positive correlation was found between S/P ratio and fibre length and crimp. In Nilgiri, the total number of follicles had a non-significant negative correlation with fibre diameter, a highly significant (P<0.01) positive correlation with crimp. The present study suggested that the selection of fine wool sheep at an earlier stage of post-natal life might be made based on the S/P ratio. It also suggested that the skin follicles and wool characteristics of Nilgiri × Merino were comparatively better than Nilgiri.
