How Did Domestication Change the Hair Morphology in Sheep and Goats?

Abstract

We analysed macro-and microscopic features of dorsal guard hairs in 21 specimens of wild and domestic sheep and goats. We integrated and extended the available data on hair morphology of wild species and provide a first comparative analysis of hair structure of domestic forms. Domestic sheep and goats, probably due to a convergence process under artificial selection, show similar medullary features to each other and different medullary structures from their relative wild relatives. Different breeds show a diverse alteration of the medullary structure probably correlated to the duration of the domestication process. Domestic sheep have a cuticular structure different from the relative wild ancestor, while domestic goats do not show clear differences in the cuticle from the related wild species. The strong artificial selection for wool production may have transformed the hair structure of the sheep, but not that of the goat. We described the effects of age on the microscopic structure of hair, which have not yet been investigated. The medullary structure and the cuticular pattern in domestic forms do not change with age, as seen in wild species, because juveniles characters are retained in adults due to domestication.

Identification of Sri Lankan shrews using hair anatomy

“…GH1 hairs are usually straight and stiff while GH2 hairs are bent at the juncture of shaft and shield (Teerink, 1991). Two main structural components, the cuticular scale patterns and the medullar patterns are studied in detail for __________________________________________ *Corresponding author's email: suyamam@pdn.ac.lk distinguishing species (Fernandez and Rossi, 1998;Mayer et al, 2000;Marinis and Asprea, 2006b). In addition, cross-sections, length and maximal diameter of hair, and hair profile are used in distinguishing species (Teerink, 1991;Cavia, 2008).…”

On the scent of an animal skin: new evidence on Corded Ware mortuary practices in Northern Europe

“…The Finnish Landrace goat, with its coarse, double-coated fleece, was, and still is, mainly bred for milk production. Despite these two different forms of goat husbandry, however, domestic goats show no clear differences from their wild relatives in cuticle structure; artificial selection has not focused principally on the quality of the goat hair (De Marinis & Asprea 2006a & b). Even without bioarchaeological analysis, however, we can confidently state that the morphology of the best-preserved, fine, intermediate and guard hair fragments from the Perttulanmäki grave most closely match those of domesticated goat.…”

Voedselkeuze van de Wolf in Vlaanderen

“…Figuur 21 Een gevulde medulla met polygonale cellen bij de moeflon maakt plaats voor een multiseriate medulla bij het schaap. Uit De Marinis & Asprea (2006b). Figuur ) uitwerpselen verzameld van mei 2018 tot en met november 2020, en uitgedrukt in absolute aantallen (n), procentuele verdeling (%) en frequentie van voorkomen (%FO).…”

“…22 Cuticulapatroon schaap ter hoogte van de schede (links) en het schild (rechts) uit DeMarinis & Asprea (2006b). Figuur 23 Links: intermediaire mozaïek cuticula ter hoogte van de schede bij Kempens heideschaap.…”