Histology and morphometry of white New Zealand rabbit skin

Abstract

Ten adult female and 10 adult male white New Zealand rabbits were used. The total thickness of epidermis, dermis, primary and secondary hair follicle numbers per square millimetres and follicle diameters were measured in the skin samples taken from the back region of white Newzealand rabbits and the values in females and males were compared. Total skin and dermis thickness were significantly by (P<0.05) more in males than in females of white New Zealand rabbits. It was determined that stratum papillare constitute 58-60% of total skin. There was statistically no difference in the number hair follicles between the skins of males and females. In general, there were no sweat glands in rabbits and the intensity of adipocytes was significantly higher in the female skins than that of males. In conclusion, skins of white New Zealand rabbit are not suitable for fur industry since their dermis are thick and connective tissue fibers are loose.