The Response of Sheep Skin to Topically Applied Substances

Abstract

Gross hyperplasia of follicle outer root sheaths is associated with the severe crimp abnormality in doggy wool (Chapman, Short, and Hyland 1960; Chapman and Short 1965). The fleece first shows crimp abnormality on the dorsum, the region of highest wax production (Chapman 1962), and the incidence of doggy wool increases with age (Chapman and Short 1964). Larger proportions of "rough fleece" are produced in areas of higher rainfall (Chapman 1964), presumably resulting from the cumulative effects of many factors, including a possible effect on sheep skin of moisture and of solutions applied to sheep for the control of external parasites in the areas of higher rainfall.