Local Deccani non-hairy goats were crossed with lustrous mohair producing Angora goats. Skin follicles in the two heterogenous parents alongwith their first three crossbred generations were studied. The number of primary follicles/sq. mm significantly differed between two parental types. However, there was no significant difference between the crossbreds in their primary follicle density. Crossbred females contained higher populations of primary follicles than males. The effects of type of birth and season indicated irregular trends. Secondary follicle population was highest in Angora and lowest in local goats. Differences in secondary follicles/sq. mm between genetic groups were significant. Sex differences for secondary follicles were non-significant in all genetic groups, however, the type of birth significantly affected secondary follicle populations in 7/8 Angora goats. Season differences in secondary follicles indicated variable effects. Secondary to primary (s/p) ratio was higher in Angora and lowest in local goats. The s/p ratio was not significantly affected by the sex of animal. However, type of birth and season of sampling indicated variable effects. Percentage of primary follicles to the total follicle population was maximum in local goats and lowest in pure Angora, the differences between the genetic groups being highly significant. In present study an attempt has been made to estimate follicle density, s/p ratio and percentage primaries in the total follicle population. The various non-genetic factors which were likely to affect the follicle traits have been considered in the study.
