Age-Related Variations in Active Secondary Hair Follicles, Oxidative Stress, and Antioxidant Parameters in Cashmere Goats

The study on 104 Inner Mongolian cashmere goats aged 2 to 7 years found that younger goats (2-4 years) had higher cashmere production, more active secondary hair follicles, and greater antioxidant capacity compared to older goats (5-7 years). There was a significant positive correlation between skin antioxidant capacity and the population of active secondary hair follicles, and a moderate negative correlation between cashmere fiber diameter and active secondary hair follicles. The findings suggest that regulating oxidative stress could enhance secondary hair follicle activity and improve cashmere production.