Skin pH of Domestic Animals

Abstract

Skin pH was examined in domestic animals using skin sebumeter, corneometer, and pH-meter. Skin pH was 7.07±0.13 in cats, 7.75±0.71 in dogs, 7.22±0. 28 in pigs, 8.46±0.57 in calves, 7.58±0.61 in heifers, and 6.86±0.23 in milking cows. The influence of site and hair were examined in milking cows. Skin pH was 7.93±0.80 at the neck with hair, and 7.05±0.56 at the neck without hair. On the other hand, skin pH was 8.25±0.92 at the last rib with hair, and 6.70±0.62 at the last rib without hair. These results suggest each animal has a different skin pH and that skin pH of cattle may differ with growth stages. In addition, skin pH was influenced by hair more than body site (neck and last rib) in the milking cow.