The skin of domestic mammals is becoming increasingly important in biomedical research as a model for experimental research on human skin (2, 3, 33, 46). It should be pointed out, however, that data from animal experiments cannot be transcribed without reservation to man. Moreover, differences occur not only between man and animals, but also among the various animal species and among animals of the same species (52). In using domestic mammals for dermatological research, it should be borne in mind that their integument was subjected to structural and functional changes during domestication (2, 13, 14, 20). A number of similar dermal modifications occurring in domestic mammals and man (eg paucity of hair, hairlessness, curling, skin thickness, pigmentation) suggest that the oldest domesticated species are suited ideally for comparative dermatological research. However, domestic mammals are also subject to the restrictions already mentioned. From our own observations and from reports elsewhere, it can be concluded that critical evaluation and interpretation of results of comparative dermatological research are only possible provided a sound knowledge of the species-specific characteristics is available. Thus, the differences in the micromorphology and function of the integument must be fully appreciated before comparisons between man and domestic mammals are drawn.

This paper will describe the species-specific morphological and functional characteristics of the skin of domestic mammals, with special reference to carnivores and the domestic pig. Observations will be compared to the situation in man, in an attempt to determine the suitability of animal skin as a model for human skin. Data are presented in the tables and in figs. 1-14.