Histological analysis of the skin dermal components in bovine hides stored under different conditions

Leather industries are interested to avoid post-mortem alterations of the skin components, since degeneration of the dermal structures composing raw hides decreases the quality of leather. The goal of the present study is to realize a histological study of skin samples to assess the tissue alterations at different periods and under methods of conservation (salting and refrigeration) after the skinning of the animals at the slaughterhouse. The papillary region and the reticular dermis were both analyzed. The dermal components considered were the number of cell nuclei, the structure of the collagen and elastic fibers, and finally the presence of acidic polysaccharides. Results showed a progressive reduction of cellular nuclei and acid polysaccharides of the dermal layer during the passage of time in all the conditions considered. A moderate decay of collagen bundles was noted in salted hides whereas the elastic fiber networks maintained their organization over the time. No sign of accumulation of non-functional elements or other morphological alterations were observed in the dermis. These findings can be useful for the leather industry to choose the desired curing and timing conditions to employ during refrigeration or salt-based treatment of the skins.