January 2026 in “Animal Advances” In this study of four Chinese goat breeds, black goats exhibited significantly higher melanin content, while Inner Mongolian cashmere goats had longer fiber lengths. These findings highlight genetic variations in coat color and fiber length, informing future breeding programs.
This study identified the FGF5:c.578C>T variant as linked to long hair in Akitas in Japan and suggests that genetic testing could help improve their breeding practices and welfare.
October 2025 in “Animals” This study reported that horses with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction had improved coat condition, advanced shedding, and better quality of life when treated with blue light masks.
5 citations
,
January 2010 in “The anatomical record” This study assessed hair whorl characteristics in domestic dogs and found that simple whorls predominate, with tufted whorls more common in specific regions like elbows and chests, influenced by factors such as coat traits and source.
4 citations
,
July 2022 in “Scientific reports” This study observed significant differences in hair and cashmere properties among three goat breeds in Southwest China, noting better quality cashmere in Inner Mongolia cashmere goats and their crossbreed compared to Dazu black goats.
