A quantitative morphological examination of bovine vulval skin glands

Abstract

In adult cows the volumes of sweat and sebaceous glands per unit skin surface area (ssa) in the vulva were greater (P less than 0.01) than in the neck, lip or eyelids. Within this perineal region skin gland volumes were greater dorsally than ventrally (P less than 0.01). Adult cows had much greater (P less than 0.01) volumes of perineal skin glands per unit ssa than 8 weeks or 6 weeks old heifer calves or steers. There was little or no difference between animal categories in neck skin gland dimensions. Adult morphology of perineal sebaceous glands was present in 15 and 18 months but not 6 and 9 months old heifer calves. The skin glands of the perineal region in cows should be considered as specialised skin glands.