author(s)
Sukanta Das, Kabita Sarma, Manmath Talukdar, Jiten Rajkhowa, Chandan Gautam, Snehanshu Sinha and Anil Deka

abstract
The present investigation was carried out in the Assam Hill Goat (Capra hircus) to investigate some morphological and numerical features of hair of the Assam Hill Goat by light and scanning electron microscopy aided with elementary analysis for identification. The animals were divided in three groups viz. preruminant (0-3wks), transitional (3-8wks) and ruminant (above 8 wks). The morphometrical study of hair was conducted by direct examination and scale cast method. Light microscopy of hair below the skin of Assam Hill Goat in H &E stain showed the presence of continuous, vacuolated, imbricate lattice pattern of medulla with wavy margin, cuticle as transverse scale with an oblique angle to the long axis of hair and homogenous cortex. The diameter of hair shaft, cortex, and medulla were found to be significantly higher in ruminant age groups goat. Various indexes (Cortical, medullary, cuticular indexes) can be used as the identification criteria of the Assam Hill Goat. The scale count/100 micrometer was found to be significantly high in ruminant age groups. In direct examination and scale cast method medulla was found as uniseriate/multisireate, continuous and partially filled lattice, with scalloped margin, cuticle was transverse, with smooth rippled margin and regular to irregularly flattened and with homogenous with little brown pigment in all the age groups. The Scanning Electron Microscopy revealed primary hair shaft was encircled by 2-4 numbers of scales with the rough appearance wider diameter than wool hair. Medulla was composed of cavities and irregular space with uneven walls. The scale distance was found to be reduced with the advancement of age. The elementary analysis of the hair of the Assam Hill Goat for the various elemental spectra (C, O, S, Na, Ca, K, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mg, Zn) can be an indicator of geographical location for identification of the Assam Hill Goat. EDS study showed that the carbon, oxygen and sulpher were the main elements of hair of the Assam Hill Goat.