MORPHOMETRIC CHARACTERISTICS OF SKIN IN THREE YEAR OLD HORSES OF VARIOUS COAT COLORS

Abstract

This scientific study investigates the morphological 
characteristics of the skin in three-year-old g'o'nons (young horses), 
specifically focusing on its thickness across different body regions and coat 
colors. During the study, a total of 140 skin biopsies were collected from 28 
anatomical points on the bodies of 5 stallions of varying ages. The thickness 
of the collected samples was determined both macroscopically using a digital 
caliper under a magnifying glass and microscopically after preparing 
histological sections. The results revealed significant variations in skin 
thickness across different body regions; the thickest skin was recorded at the 
hoof dermal junction and the dorsal part of the body, while the thinnest skin 
was observed around the eyes and in the ventral region. Furthermore, black
coated g'o'nons were found to have slightly thicker skin compared to their bay 
and gray-coated counterparts.