Sweating in cattle VI. Density of sweat glands and its relationship with cutaneous evaporation

Abstract

Two calves (Zebu × Australian Illawara Shorthorn and Shorthorn) of about 7–8 months of age were exposed to controlled atmospheric conditions. Cutaneous evaporation from the shoulder and belly areas of these calves was measured by the capsule method. Density of the sweat glands in the shoulder and belly areas of these calves was measured, using a biopsy punch. Density was estimated by counting the hair follicles.(1) The Zebu cross sweats more than the Shorthorn, at least from the shoulder area, and this is related to its higher sweat gland density as compared with that of the Shorthorn.(2) In the Zebu cross cutaneous evaporation from the shoulder area is greater than that of the belly and this is associated with the differences in the number of sweat glands.(3) In the Shorthorn cutaneous evaporation is the same from both shoulder and belly areas and the number of sweat glands in these regions is also the same.