Two types of hair are recognized in horses. Sinus/tactile hair follicles of the head are specialized for tactile sensations. These are characterized by very large single follicles, for example the large tuff hairs of the muzzle and around the eyes.
The 2 nd type of hair is simply known as hair and covers the remaining parts of the body.
Hair can also be categorized as temporary or permanent.
Hair Colours
Hair colour is determined by the amount and type of melanin in its keratinized cells. Melanin is synthesized by melanocytes scattered in the matrix of the bulb and pass into cells of the cortex and medulla of the hair. The amounts are determined by genetics and the environment.
Dark hair: contains mostly Eumelanin
Blond & Red hair: contains mostly Pheomelanin
Gray hair: due to consistent decline in melanin production
White hair: results from a lack of melanin and the accumulation of air bubbles in the shaft.
B. Glands
The skin contains different types of exocrine glands:
Sebaceous (oil) gland are connected to hair follicles with the secreting portion of the gland lying in the dermis and usually opens into the neck of the hair follicle. This type of gland secretes an oily substance called Sebum. They are found everywhere in the skin of the horse and open directly into the hair follicle. The only sebaceous glands not associated with hair follicles are those found on the teat of the udder and the sheath where they open onto the surface of the epidermis directly.
82
Made with FlippingBook Publishing Software