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

The study investigated age-related changes in cashmere production and secondary hair follicle activity in 104 Inner Mongolian ewe goats aged 2-7 years. Results showed that cashmere production was higher 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. Additionally, younger goats exhibited higher antioxidant capacity and lower oxidative damage. There was a significant correlation between oxidative stress parameters and the population of active secondary hair follicles. The findings suggest that regulating oxidative stress could enhance secondary hair follicle activity and improve cashmere production.