Inheritance of some sweat gland and hair follicle characteristics in cattle

Using measurements made in cows in the herds of the Hannah Research Institute (Ayrshire), the West of Scotland Agricultural College (Ayrshire and Friesian) and in the twin herd of the Animal Breeding Research Organisation (Ayrshire), repeatability and heritability estimates were obtained for three hair follicle and four sweat gland traits. Average repeatability was high (50-70%) for all characters except angle of slope of the hair (18%). Heritability estimates were extremely variable among the different herds and methods of measurement but there was evidence of considerable genetic variation, particularly for sweat gland traits. The most consistent heritability estimate (30-45%) was given by the ratio of sweat gland length to diameter. The potential of skin types for the selection of cattle for tropical regions is discussed.