FORMATION OF SKIN-WOOL COVER OF MEAT-WOOL SHEEP IN THE POSTEMBRIONAL PERIOD
The processes of postembryonic formation of the skin and coat of fine-fleece and semi-fine breeds and intra-breed types in the conditions of breed testing were studied. Quantitative and qualitative indicators of the formation of individual layers of skin, primary (PF) and secondary (VF), developed and rudimentary hair follicles, skin-hair complexes, physical, technical and technological properties of wool from birth to the age of the first haircut are analyzed. The presence of more than 40% of rudimentary follicles was fixed in the skin of newborns; the greatest intensity of their transformation into developed occurs in the suckling period, the full implementation of the follicular Fund occurs during the first year of life. The article describes the features of determining the density of hair follicles on preparations, considering the contractility of the test sample in the process of biopsy and preparation of a histological preparation. The necessity of introducing the term "true wool density" into histological practice is noted. The conclusion is made about the constancy of the number of hair follicles (PF + VF) in the skin-hair complex, which allows us to use this indicator at an early age to predict wool productivity.