Skin Histostructure and its Connection with Wool Production in Kyrgyz Mountain Merino Sheep

The article presents the results of a morphometric research of skin histostructure and an analysis of its connection with wool production in Kyrgyz Mountain Merino sheep. The aim of the research has been a morphometric study of the histological structure of the skin and determination of the statistical relationship between skin morphological parameters and key wool production traits. The study has been conducted on Kyrgyz Mountain Merino rams, ewes, and ewe lambs bred in the mountain and submontane zones of the Kyrgyz Republic. Skin biopsy samples have been taken from the body side (rib area) during the lifetime of sheep. Total skin thickness, papillary dermis and reticular layer thickness, follicle depth, woolen thread density, and the ratio of secondary follicles to primary ones have been determined. Wool production has been assessed based on staple length, crimp, and degree of contamination. Correlations between skin morphological parameters and wool production traits have been established, confirming that the histological structure of the skin plays a functional role in wool coat formation. The findings can be used to improve selection and breeding efforts in fine-wool sheep rearing.