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

This study examined age-related changes in cashmere production and secondary hair follicle activity in 104 Inner Mongolian ewe goats aged 2 to 7 years. Results showed that cashmere production, including fiber yield, staple length, and diameter, varied with age, with higher production in goats aged 2-4 years compared to those aged 5-7 years. The population of active secondary hair follicles was also higher in the younger group. A moderate negative correlation was found between cashmere fiber diameter and active secondary hair follicles. Additionally, younger goats exhibited higher antioxidant capacity and lower oxidative damage, with significant correlations between these factors and the population of active secondary hair follicles. The study suggests that regulating oxidative stress could enhance secondary hair follicle activity and improve cashmere production.