The Role of Prolactin in the Reactivation of Hair Follicles in Relation to Moulting in Cashmere Goats

The study investigated the effects of altering plasma prolactin levels on hair follicle reactivation and moulting in 38 adult female cashmere goats. The goats were divided into four groups: control, prolactin-treated (PRL), bromocriptine-treated (BCR), and a combination of both (PRL+BCR). The PRL group showed earlier reactivation of secondary hair follicles and earlier moulting, while the BCR group experienced delays in both reactivation and moulting. The PRL+BCR group had similar results to the PRL group. Only the BCR group had reduced voluntary food intake without affecting liveweight. The study concluded that the seasonal increase in prolactin in spring played a crucial role in hair follicle reactivation and moulting in cashmere goats.