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Effects of Cyclophosphamide Dosage on the Rate of Wool Loosening¹

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland 20705

Abstract

In terms of its biochemical mechanism, the action of cyclophosphamide (CPA) as a defleecing agent is unknown. Its effects on the wool fiber, however, are understood (Dolnick et al., 1969). The individual wool fibers are constricted under the influence of the drug. Thereafter, the growth of the fiber carries the constriction toward the skin surface, and fibers break, or can be broken, at the point of constriction.

The objective of the study was to determine whether the rate of wool loosening is "all or none", i.e., independent of CPA dosage, or whether the response is dose dependent.

Seventeen ewes and five rams were randomized within breed and sex to each of three groups. The distribution of breeds within groups and within sex is shown in table 1. All of the sheep were 2 years old or older. All had been conventionally shorn 27 weeks previously. None had ever before received CPA.

¹ We wish to thank Dr. H. Leo Dickison, Bristol Laboratories, Syracuse, New York, for supplying the cyclophosphamide, Dr. Larry R. Miller, Data Systems Application Division, A.R.S., Beltsville. Maryland, for computation of the analyses of variance and Mr. Samuel Eisentrout for supervising the care of the sheep.

² Animal Science Research Division, Sheep and Fur Animal Research Branch, A.R.S.