Aspects of wool follicle morphology and cell proliferation in Romney sheep selected for high fleece production : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Veterinary Science at Massey University

The mechanisms involved in the expression of genotypic differences in wool production have been investigated. Understanding the control of wool growth involves the understanding of the function of the follicle. The specific objectives were to clarify some of these mechanisms within the wool follicle in this thesis using histological techniques on two lines of New Zealand Romney sheep differing in their level of annual wool production. A method was established to identify replicating cells in the follicle bulb, by administering the thymidine analogue bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) to the skin, by either local infusion or intracutaneous injection. Immunocytochemical detection of incorporated BrdU allowed visualization of BrdU labelled, proliferating cells. Various follicle dimensional measurements made using image analysis were tested for their ability to discriminate between morphological variations related to functional changes in the follicle bulb. The characteristics of the wool fibres of both lines, such as length and diameter, were determined at three stages of the year and subsequently related to results obtained on follicle characteristics. Fibre volume output was increased in sheep with a higher level of wool production, with the diameter being the component contributing most to this increase. Metabolic measurements (glycogen, SDH) of follicles using histochemical techniques were undertaken to determine, whether they reflect differences in follicle activity at a time during the year, when line differences in wool production were expected to be greatest. Glycogen storage was not associated with energy requirements of the follicle bulb cells. SDH activity was low, suggesting that the follicle utilises glucose mainly by anaerobic glycolysis. Investigations of individual follicles emphasised follicle dimensions and the proliferating bulb cell population at three stages of the year. Measurements were based upon the use of intracutaneously administered BrdU to assess the