Effects of photoperiod and melatonin on nitrogen partitioning and production performance of Inner Mongolia White Cashmere Goats

Abstract

the shortening of photoperiod and were higher in the implanted groups than in the non-implanted groups, and there was a strong interaction between SDPP and MT implantation; prolactin, insulin like growth factor I and leptin showed the opposite results to MT and INS. This study provides evidence that MT and photoperiod can be used to regulate nitrogen partitioning, modulate cashmere goat body composition and improve cashmere production in practice. The technique can be extended to Inner Mongolia and other cashmere goat raising areas in China.

Effects of melatonin implantation on cashmere yield, fibre characteristics, duration of cashmere growth as well as growth and reproductive performance of Inner Mongolian cashmere goats

“…The effects of melatonin implants on cashmere fibre diameter have not been consistent. Our study showed that melatonin implants decreased cashmere fibre diameter, which is in agreement with the finding of Wang et al [23]. In contrast, Wuliji et al [20] reported that melatonin treatment increased the fibre diameter in Spanish goats while other studies have shown that administration of melatonin has no effects on cashmere fibre diameter in Inner Mongolian cashmere goats [13, 15, 21], Liaoning cashmere goats [22] or New Zealand cashmere goats [19].…”

Effects of photoperiod and melatonin on nitrogen partitioning and body composition in Inner Mongolia white Cashmere goats

“…One subgroup of each group was implanted with melatonin at a dose of 1.86 mg/kg BW (Welch et al, 1990), the another was the control. The three groups were treated with a long-day photoperiod, natural day photoperiod and short-day photoperiod in three adjacent light-controlled rooms, respectively.…”

“…It was found that altering the photoperiod and implanting melatonin had potential use in Cashmere goat feeding (Wang, 2005). Studies indicated that Cashmere could be induced by implanting melatonin or shortening the photoperiod, and both have an additive effect on cashmere production combined with variations in a series of hormones.…”

Effects of photoperiod on nutrient digestibility, hair follicle activity and cashmere quality in Inner Mongolia white cashmere goats

“…The secretion of MEL in cashmere goats shows distinct cyclical changes with photoperiod, and this cycle is consistent with the growth cycle of cashmere. Studies have shown that MEL is a critical intermediary between photoperiod and cashmere growth, and the greater level of MEL secreted by the pineal gland during times of short daily photoperiod may be the key factor for cashmere growth via increasing the activity of SHFs [11,13–15]. Previous studies have shown that the photoperiod is associated with mammary development consistent with the enhancement of milk yield in the ensuing lactation [16–18].…”