Research progress of rumen hydrogen sulfide production in ruminants.

Rumen fermentation can produce hydrogen sulfide (H2 S), and H2 S can be rapidly absorbed by the intestinal wall in nature. If excessive H2 S was produced in rumen, it might be toxic to ruminants. This article reviews the research progress of toxicity of H2 S, rumen H2 S production pathway and its influential factors to lay a foundation for further research and application of rumen H2 S-producing regulation in ruminant.

The induction of cashmere shedding via cyclophosphamide injection.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of cyclophosphamide (CPA) on cashmere shedding in cashmere goats. Thirty-two castrated Liaoning cashmere goats were randomly allotted to four groups, with eight replicates in each group. The four groups were injected intravenously with CPA doses of 0, 15, 20 and 25 mg/kg body weight, respectively. Feed intake, body weight, body temperature, and sphygmus were recorded and the erythrocyte count, leukocyte count, hemoglobin content, and cashmere yield and length were determined. CPA has no significant effect on feed intake, body weight, body temperature, or sphygmus of cashmere goats. It was found that CPA significantly decreased the erythrocyte count and hemoglobin content in cashmere goats on the days immediately following injection, but the effects on erythrocytes diminished within 6 days, with hemoglobin content returning to normal within 10 days. Cashmere fiber began to shed on about day 10 after injection with CPA. CPA had no significant effect on cashmere length but significantly increased cashmere yield. The results indicate that CPA can induce cashmere shedding and achieve the purpose of concentrated defleecing. A dose of 20 mg/kg body weight is preferable for hair removal and regrowth in cashmere goats.