Melatonin trials lift fibre growth

Press, 15 May 1987, Page 19

Melatonin trials lift fibre growth

Cashmere production may be boosted 80 per cent by new technology developed by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. The D.S.I.R. and the goat breeding company. Cashcorp, will commercialise the system for manipulating the chemical which produces cashmere growth in goats, said the D.S.I.R.’s commercial manager, Mr David Gaynor. The technology enables the cashmere-yielding substance, melatonin, usually fabricated only at night, to be produced at other times. In two seasons of trials, a control group of untreated goats yielded no cashmere in spring, while all treated goats grew the fibre. The trials at the D.S.I.R.’s Grasslands and Applied Biochemistry Divisions; in Palmerston

North indicate that treatment could increase annual cashmere yield by up to 80 per cent, he said. The slow release system developed for the chemical aims to require only one annual treatment, and Mr Gaynor anticipates the cost will be well below gains through increased production. No detrimental side effects were noted during the trials, and liveweight gain and other indications of potential benefits to animals were noted. Mr Gaynor indicated the treatment would not be available for some years because personnel, properties and animals from both organisations must be co-ordinated. Further research will test the effectiveness of year-long treatment and the method and frequency of administering the chemical. . .