Effect of Body Weight Gain During Cashmere Non-Growing Period on Cashmere Production Performance and Secondary Hair Follicle Activity of Cashmere Goats

The study investigated the impact of body weight gain during the cashmere non-growing period on cashmere production and secondary hair follicle activity in 50 Inner Mongolian cashmere goats. Divided into two groups based on weight gain (0-5.0 kg and 5.0-10.0 kg), results showed that goats with higher weight gain had a 17.10% increase in cashmere yield and an 8.09% increase in staple length, with no significant change in cashmere diameter. Additionally, there was a strong positive correlation between weight gain and the population of active secondary hair follicles. The findings suggest that nutritional interventions during the non-growing period can enhance cashmere production, though further research is needed to optimize these strategies.