The Effect of Melatonin Treatment on Fur Maturation Period and Hair Follicle Cycle in Growing Chinchillas

In a study conducted on 4-month-old chinchillas, melatonin treatment was found to significantly shorten the fur maturation period and alter the hair follicle cycle. The study involved 56 melatonin-treated chinchillas (group M) and 69 controls (group C). Melatonin-treated animals experienced a 31-day reduction in the age at fur priming and their fur reached maturity 13 days earlier when moulting began during the short-day period. Additionally, melatonin caused hair follicle activity to decrease more rapidly, with treated chinchillas reaching the telogen phase of hair follicles 30 days earlier than controls. The treatment also resulted in more hair fibers per follicle bundle in the matured pelt. Defleecing did not affect the age at fur maturation or the number of fibers per hair follicle bundle, and no significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of body weight or pelt length at pelting. Overall, melatonin was effective in accelerating coat maturation and changing the hair follicle cycle in growing chinchillas.