[The morphology and postnatal development of the skin in purebred and mixed-breed cattle (Bos taurus)].

Growth and differentiation of skin layers, hair follicles, and skin glands were studied in cattle of two genotypes during the period from early postnatal development until the age of 30 months. Development of skin and its derivatives was shown to proceed irregularly and include alternating periods characterized by an increase, temporary arrest, or even decrease of corresponding morphometric indices. On the basis of these data a conclusion is drawn that periodic changes in thickness of skin and its individual layers during ontogenesis are a natural phenomenon. It is suggested that a complex of morphometric indices can reflect specific characteristics of individual breeds and their productivity.