THE EFFECT OF MELATONIN IMPLANTS ADMINISTERED FROM DECEMBER UNTIL APRIL, ON PLASMA PROLACTIN, TRIIODOTHYRONINE AND THYROXINE CONCENTRATIONS AND ON THE TIMING OF THE SPRING MOULT IN CASHMERE GOATS

摘要

The effect of melatonin implants administered to cashmere goats in the winter, on plasma prolactin, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) concentrations and the timing of the spring moult, was studied with the objective of identifying a method of manipulating the timing of the spring moult and increasing fibre harvesting efficiency. The effect of similar melatonin implants on prolactin concentration when administered in the increasing daylength of spring, was also measured.