Cashmere production of the Himalayan Cheghus

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Veterinary Medicine
• Textile Science

Background:

• Pashmina (cashmere) is a valuable fiber produced by goats.
• Understanding factors influencing cashmere yield is crucial for optimizing production.
• Cheghu goats are a significant breed for cashmere production in high-altitude regions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze factors affecting pashmina (cashmere) production in Cheghu goats.
• To determine the influence of sire, year of birth, season, and sex on cashmere yield.
• To investigate the interaction between sex and age at first combing on cashmere output.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of pashmina (cashmere) production data from Cheghu goats.
• Utilized least-squares means to estimate yield averages for first, second, and third shearings.
• Statistical analysis including sire effect, year of birth influence, seasonal variations, and sex differences.

Main Results:

• Least-squares means for cashmere yields were 72.59g (1st), 110.50g (2nd), and 126.54g (3rd).
• Year of birth significantly impacted all three cashmere yields; sire effect was not significant.
• Sex significantly influenced second and third yields, but not the first; sex interacted with age at first combing for later yields.

Conclusions:

• Pashmina (cashmere) production in Cheghu goats is significantly influenced by the year of birth and sex, especially for subsequent shearing cycles.
• Management strategies should consider the impact of birth year and sex on optimizing cashmere fiber output.
• Further research into the genetic and environmental factors affecting cashmere yield at different ages and combing times is warranted.