Morphological characteristics of hair coat in crossbred animals

Abstract

The objective was to evaluate annual variation the morphological characteristics of the hair coat of the cows crossbred Holstein x Gir, ½ and ¾ of the Holstein in Salinas –Minas Gerais region. The morphological characteristics of the hair coat were: coat thickness, hair length, number of hair/cm2. Hair coat samples were held in each season (spring, summer, autumn and winter). The climatic characterization of the seasons was obtained from data provided by National Institute of Meteorology (INMET). Data for hair coat characteristics were subjected to variance analysis of according to a completely randomized factorial design (two degrees of blood and four seasons). The season effect showed that haircoat of the crossbred cows adjusted with environmental variables. And the length and number of hair/cm2 were higher in animals ¾ Holstein. It was concluded that crossbred animals have short hair coat, very dense and well seated, especially in summer. ½ Holstein showed less dense hair coat and shorter than ¾ Holstein.