109 citations,
October 2007 in “Journal of pineal research” Melatonin helps regulate hair growth and protects the hair follicle from stress.
11 citations,
September 1992 in “Journal of pineal research” Immunizing goats against melatonin can temporarily change their cashmere growth cycles and increase fleece production.
3 citations,
July 2012 in “Sokoto Journal of Veterinary Sciences” As sheep age, their hair fibers and follicles grow larger and more organized, with no significant differences between males and females.
October 2023 in “Animal production science” Vitamin A deficiency changes cattle hair structure, while pregnancy may improve it, suggesting hair can indicate cattle health.
46 citations,
March 2019 in “Journal of Pineal Research” Melatonin improves cashmere goat hair growth and quality by increasing antioxidants and reducing cell death.
10 citations,
April 1995 in “Animal Science/Animal science” Melatonin implants can change the seasonal prolactin levels and hair growth in adult cashmere goats but not in juveniles, and don't delay spring moult for better fiber harvesting.
7 citations,
November 2019 in “Animal” Melatonin increases cashmere quality in goats but reduces their milk production and doesn't affect their offspring's hair growth.
2 citations,
January 2017 in “Folia biologica” The KRTAP7-1 gene is very similar across different cattle and yak breeds and likely plays a role in hair strength and shape.
January 2023 in “Czech Journal of Animal Science” Proteins influence the quality and traits of cashmere goat fleece, affecting hair strength and diameter.
38 citations,
May 2000 in “Livestock production science” Giving high-quality protein or methionine supplements helps improve hair growth in Angora goats and, to a lesser extent, in Cashmere goats.
6 citations,
June 2012 in “PloS one” A new mRNA variant of the SCF gene in sheep skin produces a shorter, different protein.
18 citations,
January 2017 in “PloS one” Certain genes and pathways are crucial for high-quality brush hair in Yangtze River Delta White Goats.
August 2022 in “Italian Journal of Animal Science/Italian journal of animal science” Field bean supplementation improved mohair growth and kid growth in Angora goats but didn't prevent weight loss after giving birth.
7 citations,
October 1963 in “Textile Research Journal” Merino wool fibers change shape with moisture, while human hair shape stays the same.
191 citations,
November 1959 in “Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences” Hair and wool have complex microscopic structures with microfibrils and varying cystine content.
35 citations,
February 2006 in “Textile Research Journal” Enzymes xylanase and pectinase clean wool and specialty hair fibers effectively without damage, offering an eco-friendly alternative to soap and hot water.
25 citations,
April 2017 in “PloS one” Certain genetic variations in the FST gene are linked to better wool quality in Chinese Merino sheep.
11 citations,
July 2021 in “Genetics selection evolution” Researchers found genes and genetic variants linked to sheep wool and skin wrinkles.
July 2022 in “Research Square (Research Square)” Certain miRNAs may play a role in sheep hair follicle development, which could help improve wool production.
5 citations,
October 2022 in “BMC genomics” Certain microRNAs are important for sheep hair follicle development and could help improve wool quality.
90 citations,
January 1979 in “International review of cytology” Wool follicles are complex, involving interactions between different cell types and structures.
29 citations,
August 2005 in “Biopolymers” L-cysteine slows down the breaking of bonds in hair due to electrostatic interactions.
5 citations,
November 2022 in “Animal Genetics” Genomic research can help improve the quality and production of natural fibers in animals.
10 citations,
January 2010 in “International journal of trichology” Keratin-associated proteins are part of the developing hair fiber cuticle.
46 citations,
June 2013 in “Journal of structural biology” High glycine–tyrosine keratin-associated proteins help make hair strong and maintain its shape.
19 citations,
June 2020 in “Animals” Poor maternal nutrition can lead to fewer wool follicles in Chinese Merino sheep.
October 2023 in “Cell & bioscience” A special gene region controls the re-emergence of a primitive wool type in Merino sheep, improving their wool yield and adaptability.
47 citations,
June 2017 in “The FEBS journal” Disabling the FGF5 gene in sheep leads to longer wool.
1 citations,
July 2023 in “Journal of Animal Science and Biotechnology” The SOSTDC1 gene is crucial for determining sheep wool type.
6 citations,
October 2018 in “Endocrinology” Prenatally androgenized ewes can model increased hair diameter in women with PCOS.