The significance of certain skin characters of sheep in resistance and susceptibility to fleece-rot and body strike.

Micro-anatomical differences in skin structure associated with resistance and susceptibility of sheep to fleece-rot and body strike were identified, and found to be of similar magnitude in 2 genetically divergent flocks of medium-woolled Merino ewes. Susceptible sheep were characterised by smaller follicle groups, resulting in higher densities of follicle populations with greater concentrations of the primary follicles (and sudoriferous glands) than in the resistant sheep. From these smaller follicle groups of susceptible sheep, thicker wool fibres grew than were found in the resistant sheep. The significance of these findings is discussed in relation to the pathogenesis of fleece-rot and body strike of sheep, and the value of the measured skin characters as a method for identifying resistant sheep.