The Induction of Cashmere Shedding via Cyclophosphamide Injection

In the 2017 study, the effects of cyclophosphamide (CPA) on cashmere shedding in 32 castrated Liaoning cashmere goats were examined. The goats were divided into four groups and administered varying doses of CPA (0, 15, 20, and 25 mg/kg body weight). The study found that CPA did not significantly affect the goats' feed intake, body weight, body temperature, or sphygmus. However, CPA administration did result in a significant decrease in erythrocyte count and hemoglobin content immediately after injection, though these effects were temporary, with erythrocyte count normalizing within 6 days and hemoglobin content within 10 days. Importantly, cashmere shedding began around day 10 post-injection, and while CPA did not affect the length of the cashmere, it significantly increased the yield. The study concluded that CPA is effective in inducing cashmere shedding and suggests a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight as optimal for hair removal and regrowth in cashmere goats.