Effect of body site on hair follicle density in Inner Mongolia cashmere goat (Capra hircus).

• The histological examinations of hair follicle density were performed on 14 body sites from 11 Inner Mongolia cashmere goats. • The pattern of total hair follicle density (THFD) was unevenly distributed. • The THFD was high in front and rear, and low in the bottom of the body of Inner Mongolia cashmere goat. • Sites belonging to the body side can be the representative sampling area. In this study, hair follicle density (HFD) was compared among different body sites in Inner Mongolia cashmere goat (Capra hirus). Skin samples from 14 different body sites of 11 Inner Mongolia cashmere goats were collected. A total of 154 skin samples were processed for paraffin embedment, sectioning and H&E staining. Images of 9.26 mm2 were captured by a microscope camera, and primary hair follicle density (PHFD), secondary hair follicle density (SHFD), the ratio of second to primary hair follicle density (S/P) and total hair follicle density (THFD) were calculated. The results showed that there was no significant difference in HFD between females and males. The 14 body sites were clustered into three categories according to the HFD. The THFD of high-density, medium-density and low-density groups was 50.0 ± 8.5, 41.6 ± 7.1 and 26.6 ± 6.2 follicles/mm2 of stained skin section, respectively, and the significant differences (P < 0.01) were found among them. High and low HFD existed in front and rear, and bottom of the body, respectively. These sites from the body of Inner Mongolia cashmere goats had medium value, but had very high value to represent all sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]