Hair Cycle and Dermal Follicular Volume of the Wild Rodent, Agouti (Dasyprocta Prymnolopha), Raised in Captivity in the Northeast Region of Brazil

This study on captive agoutis (Dasyprocta prymnolopha) in northeastern Brazil involved 6 individuals and focused on their hair cycle and dermal follicular volume. It revealed high hair integrity in both sexes, with females at 98.92% and males at 99.2%. While males had more anagenic hairs during the rainy season, overall, both sexes predominantly exhibited telogenic hairs year-round. The study found no significant differences in hair density, cycle phase duration, or follicular volume between sexes, and climatic factors like temperature and humidity had minimal impact on hair cycle phases. These findings suggest that captivity conditions may reduce climatic effects on hair growth, highlighting the need for further research into hormonal and environmental influences on agouti hair cycles.