Primary and secondary hair follicle activity ,and fibre growth were studied in 12 male (6 one and 6 two year old) and 22 female (6 one. 6 two. 5
three and 5 four year old) Raeini gnats. To determine fibre growth, cashmere and guard hair diameter. follicle activity and secondary to primary follicle ratio
( S/P). samples in each case were taken from mid-body position of each animal. from November 1996 to July 1997. The trial was conducted at Raeini
Cashmere Breeding Station. Baft Kerman province (24' 17 'N). The obtained results showed that the growth of both cashmere and guard hair were not
significantly different among the_ age groups of goals. however, the effect of sampling lime on these traits was significant (P
higher in July than in march. while .guard hair growth was lower in July than in March. Mean fibre growth rates in different groups were 10.98.. 10.05. 11.49.
10.16. 6.96 and 7.68 mm/cm_ ,28 days. respectively. Mean fibre growth rate
was maximum in June and minimum in February. and the difference being
statistically significant (P«J.()S). Effects of age and sex Oil the trait were not significant. Mean cashmere diameter in all months. of one and two year old
males. and one. two. three and four year old females were 1931, 21.96. 19.04, 20.54. 19.07 and 20.49 microns. respectively. Effects of age and sex on
cashmere diameter were significant (f'«W5). the diameter in males being greater than in females. and in two year old goats greater than in one year old
ones. Cashmere diameter being maximum in June and minimum in November. Hair diameter variation corresponded with variations in live body weight.
Unlike sex, the effect of age on guard hair diameter was significant (P
Mean fleece weight and SIP were(_ 467.56±67.54gm and 1237±L15
respectively and for all groups. Mean secondary follicle activity varied during the year with. minimum in February through March, and maximum in July.
The activity of primary hair follicles showed variance too. being minimum in February. and maximum in July. Histological findings indicated that shedding
began in February except for one year old goats, for which it was in December or January. The results of this study may lead to the fact that Cashmere goats
(Raeini breed) might. in the Ion.!! run he selected for longer down growth periods or later shedding time
)