A survey of the follicle populations in a range of British breeds of sheep

Abstract

Details are given of the S/P follicle ratios of a number of British breeds of sheep. These are discussed in relation to the figures of different authors for other breeds. Figures are given for the incidence of fibre shedding and follicle abnormalities, and evidence is presented which suggests that, at any rate in British breeds, follicles are formed after birth and it is suggested that the number formed may be roughly constant in all breeds. There is an appendix describing statistical treatment of the question of follicle competition.