Comparative study of morphology and keratin levels in hair from deer and goat

Hair is a defining character of mammals. In the present study, the hair samples of Chital Axis axis, Sambar Deer Rusa unicolor, and goat Capra hircus were collected from the back, neck, abdomen and tail regions of carcasses brought to the forensic laboratory for necropsy examinations. Cross-sections of hair, cuticle scale, and medullary patterns were analyzed to establish indices for species identification. Keratin levels were also analyzed by protein electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). We determined that both microscopic and SDS-PAGE analysis of guard hair is useful for identifying species, particularly in forensic applications.