The Sweat Glands and Hair Follicles of Different Species of Bovidae

Abstract

Measurements were made of hairs and sweat glands in the skins of a number of different Bovidae. The principal differences between the Bovinae and the one member of the Cephalophinae (the duiker) studied were in the dimensions of the skin and its component organs and in hair density; secondary hairs were not present, although in the American bison small primary follicles which appeared to provide a woolly undercoat were seen. In contrast, secondary hair follicles were found in the skins of all the Caprinae, Antilopinae and most of the Hippotraginae studied. The sweat glands of the Bovidae varied in shape from simple sacs as seen in the oryx to the coiled tubes of the wildebeest, and different markedly in size, the largest being found in the wisent.