Pelage cycle and hair bundle structure in the young and adult ferret, Mustela putorius

Abstract

The pelage growth cycle and hair bundle structure of three male ferrets, Mustela putorius, as young animals and adults were examined histologically. The follow-up period was 17 months. The growth phase of guard hairs and underfur hairs in follicular bundles was analyzed. Skin samples from the hip were prepared for light microscopy; paraffin sections were cut parallel to the skin surface and stained with a modified SACPIC method. Guard hairs started to develop earlier than underfur hairs. Young ferrets shed hairs between August and mid-November, the guard hairs in three waves and the underfur hairs in one period. In the adult ferrets, guard hair growth peaked three times between June and October. There were individual differences in the summer underfur: growth occurred in one period or in two separate waves. Moulting of the summer coat ended late in October, coinciding with the maximum number of growing winter underfur hairs. In the winter pelage the two hair types matured simultaneously. There was a guard hair in all mature winter coat hair bundles. In addition, all hairs had a medulla.