Histomorphological and histochemical studies on the different layers of skin of Bakerwali goat

Histomorphological and histochemical studies on the different layers of skin of Bakerwali goat was conducted in neonatal, young and adult age groups. Tissue samples were collected form neck, thorax and loin regions. The gross skin thickness increased with advancement of age. Histologically, the total thickness of skin was maximum on the neck dorsal and minimum on thorax ventral region in all age groups. The epidermis consisted of four layers and stratum lucidum was absent in all regions of all age groups. Beneath the epidermis, the dermis layer was observed in which the hair follicles, sweat glands, sebaceous glands, arrector pilli muscles and blood vessels were present. The dermis layer consisted of dense connective tissue and was itself divisible into superficial papillary layer and deep reticular layer. The two layers of dermis were merged into one another. Mast cells were found scattered throughout the dermis. Keratin covered the whole skin externally. The thickness of epidermis and dermis increased as the age advanced. The epidermis showed moderate Periodic acid-Schiff's reaction for carbohydrates. Dermis showed a moderate reaction for bound lipids. The keratin layer showed a strong reaction for bound lipids in all regions of all age groups.