Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai - 600 051, T.N., India.
*This forms part of Ph.D thesis submitted by the first author to Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai-600 051.
The study of histological structure of the skin of native, exotic and crossbred cattle was undertaken to throw light for assessing the breed for the production of skin quality requirements of the leather industry. The thickness of the epidermis, papillary and reticular layers of the dermis were superior in exotic breeds over the indigenous breeds, whereas, it reflected intermediate values in Jersey × Sindhi cross. Among buffaloes, the papillary and reticular layer of the Murrah buffaloes measured 1.18±0.06 mm, 4.91±0.06 mm, respectively as against 1.15±0.03 mm, 3.74±0.06 mm, respectively for Graded Murrah buffaloes. The Collagen Content was found to be highest in the Jersey breed (63.78±0.68 mg per cent). The Collagen content in the reticular layer and thickness of papillary and reticular layers assume significance as these parameters determine the surface pattern, and firmness and thickness of the skin.
