TLDR Changing light exposure boosts hormone levels and antioxidant activity, improving cashmere growth in goats.
This study on 18 female Arbas cashmere goats over 60 days examined the effects of photoperiod changes on hormone levels, hair follicle growth, and antioxidant status. It found that both short-day (SDPP) and shortening-day (SPP) photoperiods increased melatonin levels, which influenced other hormones like prolactin and thyroxine, enhancing hair follicle activity and morphology. The SDPP group showed increased antioxidant activity in skin tissue, while both SDPP and SPP groups exhibited upregulation of genes crucial for hair follicle development and antioxidant defense. These changes improved cashmere growth by promoting secondary hair follicle activity and increasing hair bulb width, suggesting that manipulating light exposure can significantly impact cashmere production.
3 citations,
September 2022 in “Frontiers in veterinary science” Melatonin affects cashmere growth in goats by influencing stem cell and certain signaling pathways.
9 citations,
July 2021 in “Frontiers in genetics” Melatonin makes cashmere grow earlier and more by increasing certain gene activity in goats.
7 citations,
March 2021 in “Journal of animal science/Journal of animal science ... and ASAS reference compendium” Blocking prolactin increases the activity of secondary hair follicles in cashmere goats.
8 citations,
August 2020 in “Domestic Animal Endocrinology” Melatonin improved cashmere production in goats during the first cycle but had no lasting effects on the next cycle.
46 citations,
March 2019 in “Journal of Pineal Research” Melatonin improves cashmere goat hair growth and quality by increasing antioxidants and reducing cell death.
12 citations,
September 2018 in “Naturwissenschaften” Melatonin treatment increases a specific RNA in goat cells that boosts cashmere growth.
103 citations,
November 2014 in “Journal of Cell Biology” MicroRNA-214 is important for skin and hair growth because it affects the Wnt pathway.
10 citations,
January 2014 in “Genetics and Molecular Research” Liaoning Cashmere goat hair follicles show synchronized growth patterns with lowest activity in May.
73 citations,
June 2001 in “Endocrinology” Prolactin affects when mice shed and grow hair.
7 citations,
January 2001 in “Annales de zootechnie” Melatonin treatment increases wool production and improves fiber quality in angora rabbits.
2 citations,
February 2022 in “Genomics” Researchers discovered new cell types in goat hair follicles that could help understand hair regrowth and human hair loss.
8 citations,
July 2020 in “BMC genomics” The research found genes that change during cashmere goat hair growth and could help determine the best time to harvest cashmere.
14 citations,
January 2015 in “Genetics and molecular research” The transition from growth to regression in Cashmere goat hair follicles involves changes in expression of genes related to keratin and cell differentiation.
61 citations,
April 2013 in “PloS one” The study found key genes and pathways involved in cashmere goat hair growth stages.
22 citations,
July 2012 in “Journal of integrative agriculture/Journal of Integrative Agriculture” Hoxc13 is linked to seasonal hair growth in Cashmere goats and is affected by melatonin.
