Goat fibre response to melatonin given in spring in two
consecutive years
R.A.S. Welch, M.P. Gurnsey, K. Betteridge, R.J. Mitchell
DSIR Grasslands, Palmerston North
Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production.
1990, 50: 335-338
Sustained release of melatonin from implants or microcapsules
administered in October induced cashmere growth during November to March
in all ten, treated, cashmere-bearing goats. The mean maximum length of
the cashmere in this induced fleece ranged from 12-55mm. Another
cashmere growth cycle followed between autumn and winter. In contrast,
nineteen control goats grew cashmere only during the autumn-winter
period. Melatonin treatment increased total mean cashmere staple length
by up to 65% for treated animals compared with controls. The onset of
growth of the autumn fleece in the treated goats was delayed as also was
the time when maximum length was achieved on shedding occurred.
Melatonin treatment should permit the shearing of the autumn fleece to
be delayed, thus reducing the risk of post-shearing losses during
inclement weather in late winter.
Keywords: NZSAPAB;
Melatonin; goat; fibre; cashmere
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Last Updated 25-01-1997
