Influence of liveweight, liveweight change, and diet on wool growth, staple strength, and fibre diameter in young sheep

1998 ◽  
Vol 49 (2) ◽  
pp. 269 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. G. Masters ◽  
A. D. Peterson ◽  
G. Mata ◽  
S. M. Liu
Keyword(s):  
Management Strategy ◽  
Fibre Diameter ◽  
Experimental Period ◽  
Canola Meal ◽  
Wool Growth ◽  
Lupin Seed ◽  
Staple Strength ◽  
Wool Yield ◽  
Fleece Weight

The effects of initial liveweight, liveweight change, and composition of the diet on wool growth and staple strength in weaner sheep were investigated. Weaner wethers (64) were allocated to treatments in a factorial design (23). The factors were initial liveweight (heavy, 33 kg; light, 25 kg), liveweight change (fed at maintenance for 56 days, or 28 days at 0 ·6×maintenance then 28 days at 1·6×maintenance), and diet (lupin seed based diet or canola meal based diet). The heavier weaners grew approximately 1·9 g/day more wool than the light sheep during the experimental period and this resulted in a higher clean fleece weight (1·8 v. 1·4 kg), staple strength (37 v. 27·4 N/ktex), and fibre diameter (18·0 v. 17·4 µm). Substituting canola meal for lupin seed increased wool growth during the experiment and clean wool yield, but did not affect clean fleece weight or staple strength. The weaners fed to lose and then gain weight grew wool with a lower staple strength than the weaners fed to maintain weight through the experiment (28·6 v. 35·8 N/ktex), but there were no differences in any of the other fleece characteristics. The ratio of wool growth to dry matter intake (DMI) was higher in the sheep fed canola meal than those fed lupins (by approximately 1·5 g/kg DMI) and higher in weaners losing weight than those fed to maintain weight (by approximately 4·5 g/kg DMI). From a practical perspective, these results indicate that initial liveweight and liveweight change both influence staple strength and wool growth and need to be included in any management strategy to improve wool quality of young sheep.

Fibre diameter and staple strength of sheep selected for divergent clean fleece weight when subjected to an increase in intake or an increase in intake and diet change

2005 ◽  
Vol 56 (2) ◽  
pp. 195 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. A. Friend ◽  
G. E. Robards
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Stepwise Regression ◽  
Fibre Diameter ◽  
Dietary Treatment ◽  
Diet Change ◽  
Wool Growth ◽  
Ad Libitum ◽  
Staple Strength ◽  
Fleece Weight ◽  
Ad Libitum Feeding

Merino wethers with a high (fleece plus, Fl+) or low (fleece minus, Fl–) potential for wool growth were offered a restricted intake of either oat grain or lucerne chaff for 8 weeks followed by ad libitum lucerne chaff for 4 weeks. The Fl– sheep that were fed oats then lucerne had a lower (P < 0.05) intake during the first 2 weeks of ad libitum feeding than all other groups. Staple strength of Fl+ sheep (37.5 ± 2.2 N/ktex) was less (P < 0.05) than that of Fl– sheep (44.5 ± 2.4 N/ktex), and dietary treatment did not significantly affect staple strength. Wool growth rate was unaffected by dietary treatment, but was greater (P < 0.001) for Fl+ (6.4 ± 0.2 µg/mm2.day) than for Fl– (4.0 ± 0.2 µg/mm2.day) sheep. Along-fibre variation in diameter was greater (P < 0.001) in Fl+ (15.6 ± 0.5%) than in Fl– (9.9 ± 0.5%) sheep. Between-fibre variation in diameter was greater (P < 0.001) in Fl+ (16.5 ± 0.5%) than in Fl– (13.2 ± 0.5%) sheep, and between-fibre variation in diameter was affected (P < 0.05) by dietary treatment in Fl+ sheep. Staple strength was significantly correlated (P < 0.05) with along-fibre variation in diameter (r = –0.48), and stepwise regression analysis indicated that along-fibre variation in diameter, wool growth rate during early restricted feeding, and minimum fibre diameter explained 63% of the variance in staple strength. The results are discussed in relation to the lower staple strength of Fl+ sheep.

Effect of selection for wool growth on seasonal patterns of yield, fibre diameter, and colour in Romney lines

1995 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 27 ◽  
Author(s):  
T Wuliji ◽  
IL Weatherall ◽  
RN Andrews ◽  
KG Dodds ◽  
PR Turner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Fibre Diameter ◽  
Seasonal Patterns ◽  
Control Line ◽  
Wool Growth ◽  
Growth Decline ◽  
Selection For ◽  
Staple Strength ◽  
Fleece Weight

Seasonal wool growth and associated wool characteristics were measured in a Romney line selected for high fleece weight and an unselected control line in 1990 and 1991. Both had a significant (P<0.01) decline in wool growth rate in winter compared with summer. The wool growth rate advantage (P<0.001) of the selected line over the control averaged 19 and 33% for ewes, and 24 and 36% for hoggets, in summer and winter, respectively. Staple strength, yield, and fibre diameter differences were closely associated with wool growth. Colour analysis showed no difference between lines in either brightness (Y) or yellowness (Y - Z). However, both the Y and Z values were lower in spring and summer, while Y - Z was highest in summer. The results suggest that selection for high fleece weight also improves major wool characteristics and reduces the relative winter wool growth decline in Romneys.

Supplementation of young sheep with lupins plus sulfur and a complete mineral mix

1992 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 267
Author(s):  
PT Doyle ◽  
RA Love ◽  
RH Dunlop ◽  
CL White
Keyword(s):  
Fibre Diameter ◽  
Potassium Sulfate ◽  
Feeding Period ◽  
Merino Sheep ◽  
Mineral Supplements ◽  
Wool Growth ◽  
Average Intake ◽  
Staple Strength ◽  
Fleece Weight ◽  
Mineral Lick

Young Merino sheep (7-8 months of age, weighing about 40.5 kg) were given weekly supplements of 1050 gfsheep of lupins, lupins coated with potassium sulfate (25 g/kg lupins), lupins and access to a mineral lick (offered at 175 g/sheep.week), or lupins coated with potassium sulfate and access to the lick. The sheep grazed an annual pasture at a stocking rate of 15 sheepha and were given the supplements between 14 December and 5 April. The amount of pasture on offer in mid December exceeded 3000 kg DMha but declined to 1500 kg DMha in late March.There were significant amounts of green feed present in December and March (>20% of pasture DM), a small amount in January, and no green feed in February. Despite this the percentage of sheep licking the minerals was over 70% in January , February; and March, with average intake being about 10 g/sheep.day. No significant differences occurred between treatments for liveweights of sheep during the feeding period or at shearing. Over the feeding period sheep lost weight at about 30 g/day. Neither the additional sulfur nor the mineral lick had any significant effects on fleece weight, mean fibre diameter of the fleece, staple length, or staple strength. Wool growth rates were not different between treatments during the feeding period. These results indicate that under good pasture conditions with some green feed available, and when lupins are supplied, responses to mineral supplements are unlikely.

Frequency of feeding lupin and canola meal supplements to young sheep influences wool growth and mitotic rate but not staple strength

2002 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 103
Author(s):  
D. G. Masters ◽  
G. Mata ◽  
S. M. Liu ◽  
A. C. Schlink
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Fibre Diameter ◽  
Basal Diet ◽  
Mitotic Rate ◽  
Supplementary Feeding ◽  
Canola Meal ◽  
Daily Feeding ◽  
Wool Growth ◽  
Gradual Loss ◽  
Staple Strength

In Australia, young sheep often require supplements for part of the year to survive. This study investigated the influence of supplementary-feeding interval, supplement type and pattern of weight loss on wool growth, fibre diameter and staple strength. Weaners (64, 6–7-month old) were fed a basal diet of oaten hay, oaten straw and minerals every day and, in addition, were fed 1 of 2 supplement types. The design was factorial (2 by 3) and the factors were: frequency of supplementation (daily or weekly), type of supplement (lupin seed or canola meal) and pattern of weight loss (88 g/day loss for 1 month followed by 16 g/day for the second month or a gradual loss of 36 g/day for the full 2 months). Feeding supplements daily did not have any significant effect on fibre diameter (16.2 v. 16.2 m) or coefficient of variation of fibre diameter (18.7 v. 19.2%) during the experiment, or on staple strength (27.0 v. 28.4 N/ktex) compared with the weekly feeding. Similarly, staple strength was not affected by the type of supplement (26.3 N/ktex for lupin-fed sheep v. 29.0 N/ktex for canola meal-fed sheep). There was a significant interaction between feeding interval and supplement type on the rate of wool growth. Weekly feeding of canola meal increased wool growth relative to daily feeding (0.067 v. 0.062 g/100 cm2 .day) whereas, weekly feeding of lupins decreased wool growth relative to daily feeding (0.055 v. 0.059 g/100 cm2.day). Weekly feeding of lupins also increased levels of urea in plasma relative to all other groups for 2 days after feeding and reduced mitotic rate in the skin (relative to the canola meal-fed group) 3 days after the supplementation. While there were also some differences between treatments in plasma glucose, creatine kinase and amino aspartate transaminase, all groups remained within the normal range. These results indicate that the interval between supplementary feeding is unlikely to contribute to low staple strength in grazing weaners but will influence the efficiency of use of nutrients for wool growth.

Responses to feeding canola meal or lupin seed to pregnant, lactating, and dry ewes

1996 ◽  
Vol 47 (8) ◽  
pp. 1291 ◽  
Author(s):  
DG Masters ◽  
G Mata
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Treatment Period ◽  
Fibre Diameter ◽  
Canola Meal ◽  
Wool Production ◽  
Rumen Degradation ◽  
Wool Growth ◽  
Lupin Seed ◽  
Average Fibre

Responses in wool production, ewe liveweight, lamb birth weight, and growth were compared when the major source of protein in the diet was either lupin seed or canola meal. The diets were fed to ewes during the final 3 weeks of pregnancy and first 3 weeks of lactation, and for a similar period of time to a group of dry ewes. All ewes were fed to maintain conceptus-free liveweight. The diet containing canola meal increased (P < 0.001) wool growth in the reproducing ewes (50-63%) and the dry ewes (12.5-20%) during, and for 3 weeks after, the treatment period. Fibre diameter of wool grown during the treatment period was increased (P < 0.025) by 0.5-1.5 pm in the ewes fed canola meal compared with ewes fed lupins. The ewes fed canola meal gained slightly (P = 0.06) more weight during the experiment than the ewes fed lupins. Lambs from the ewes fed canola meal were lighter (P < 0.05) at birth (480 g) than lambs from ewes fed lupins. The reproducing ewes had lower fleece weights, average fibre diameters, and staple strengths and lengths than the dry ewes. These fleece characteristics were not significantly affected by diet. Canola meal is partially protected from rumen degradation and is less expensive than other sources of similar proteins and may therefore provide a practical option for commercial sheep producers.

Medullated fibres and fleece characteristics in Corriedale hoggets from two flocks in Uruguay

2011 ◽  
Vol 51 (11) ◽  
pp. 1034 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. Sienra ◽  
K. Neimaur ◽  
R. Kremer ◽  
J. I. Urioste
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Variation ◽  
Fibre Diameter ◽  
High Variability ◽  
Fibre Content ◽  
Strongly Correlated ◽  
Veterinary Science ◽  
Wool Sample ◽  
Staple Strength ◽  
Wool Yield ◽  
Fleece Weight

The incidence of medullation in 549 Corriedale hoggets from two experimental flocks, its association with other characteristics of the fleece, and the sire effect were evaluated. The investigation was carried out during 2005–06 in hoggets from the Faculty of Agriculture and Faculty of Veterinary Science experimental flocks. Fleeces were weighed and samples were taken at shearing by picking 104 staples from fleeces to measure medullation. A mid-side wool sample was taken to determine wool characteristics (fleece weight, wool yield, mean fibre diameter, staple strength and length). A Dark Fibre Detector was used to identify total medullated fibres and fibre type: medullated fibres (med) and kemp, which were confirmed by light microscope. Mean total medullated fibres, med and kemp content per 10 g of clean wool were 4.2 ± 11.2; 2.0 ± 8.9 and 2.3 ± 4.9, and median values were 0.9, 0.0 and 0.7, respectively, in 549 fleeces. A high variability between samples and a higher proportion of hoggets with kemp fibres than those with med were observed. There were significant differences between sire families for total medullated fibre content/10 g, med fibre content/10 g and kemp fibre content/10 g, but there were no significant effects between flocks, years or interaction between them. Phenotypic correlations between medullated fibre content and wool characteristics were generally low (less than 0.19). In conclusion, medullated fibre content was highly variable between samples and was not strongly correlated with other fleece characteristics. Medullation varied between sire groups, suggesting genetic variation, which could be exploited to improve wool quality.

Wool and liveweight responses to nutrition by Merino sheep genetically selected for high or low staple strength

1997 ◽  
Vol 48 (8) ◽  
pp. 1129 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. R. Adams ◽  
J. R. Briegel ◽  
A. J. M. Ritchie
Keyword(s):  
Fibre Diameter ◽  
Rate Of Change ◽  
Merino Sheep ◽  
Low Protein ◽  
Wool Growth ◽  
Good Nutrition ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Staple Strength ◽  
Fleece Weight ◽  
Protein Diets

The biological mechanisms underlying differences in wool staple strength were examined in 2 groups of Merino sheep that have been genetically selected for high or low staple strength, while holding fibre diameter constant. The sheep were fed below maintenance for 87 days, and then re-fed ad libitum for 63 days with a diet containing either 9% or 23% crude protein, in a cross-over design, after which they returned to the paddock until shearing. The fleeces of the 2 groups differed in staple strength (25·2 v.17·5 N/ktex, P < 0·001) but were similar in mean fibre diameter and clean fleece weight. However, the pattern of wool growth was different. When fed below maintenance, sheep from the sound group grew more wool than sheep from the tender group (P < 0·05), but lost more liveweight (P < 0·01). During re-feeding, the sound sheep grew less wool than the tender sheep (P < 0·05), but gained more liveweight. The mean fibre diameter at the point of break was similar in both groups. Immediately after re-feeding, the fibre diameter increased more rapidly in the tender group than in the sound (P < 0·001), but a similar difference was observed between the high and low protein diets, with no effect on staple strength. The sound sheep had a lower standard deviation of fibre diameter than the tender sheep (P < 0·001), both in the whole fleece and in 3-weekly midside patches. The data indicated that the variability of fibre diameter between fibres made a larger contribution than the variability along fibres to the difference between the groups in overall variability of fibre diameter. The sheep were then grazed together at pasture for a second year and again differed in staple strength. In addition, the sound sheep grew less wool on green spring pastures and had a lower clean fleece weight (P < 0·05). The differences in wool growth rates between sheep from the sound and tender lines depended more on whether pasture was green than on the amount of pasture available. We conclude that the difference in staple strength between the sound and tender groups was most closely associated with the variability between fibres in diameter, and was also affected by a difference in variation in diameter along the fibres. Staple strength was not affected by the amount of wool at the point of break, or by the rate of change in fibre diameter after feeding. The sheep in the sound group grew less wool than those in the tender group when on good nutrition.

Supplementation of young Merino sheep grazing annual pastures with lupin, barley grain, or silage

1993 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 403 ◽  
Author(s):  
JJ Gardner ◽  
PT Doyle ◽  
JB Rowe ◽  
R Hetherington ◽  
P Spicer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Energy Levels ◽  
Fibre Diameter ◽  
Barley Grain ◽  
Sheep Grazing ◽  
Merino Sheep ◽  
Wool Growth ◽  
Metabolisable Energy ◽  
Staple Strength ◽  
Fleece Weight

We examined the effects on liveweight change and wool production of supplements of lupin, barley grain, or silage given to Merino weaners (age 5-7 months; starting weight about 30 kg) grazing dry annual pastures. In experiment 1, each supplement was offered at 5 rates (g/sheep.day): lupin, air-dry, 75-450; barley, air-dry, 80-480; silage, fresh, 430-2580. Sheep on all treatments gained weight in the first 29 days of supplementary feeding, with no effect of rate of supplementation (lupin 97 g/day; barley 57 g/day; silage 74 g/day). Those receiving no supplement also gained weight (40 g/day). Different supplements were not compared because the energy levels of lupin and barley were not measured. Over the next 48 days, liveweight changes increased (P<0.001) linearly with rate of feeding of lupin (25 � 2.1 g/100 g) and barley (12 � 0.8 g/100 g). The trend with silage (11 � 5.0 g/kg) was not significant. Taken over the 77 days, liveweight changes increased (P<0.01) linearly with rate of feeding for lupin (20 �. 1.8 g/100 g), barley (8 �. 1.7 g/100 g), and silage (10 �. 2 g/kg). There were no significant (P>0.05) differences associated with the rate of supplementation for annual clean fleece weight (lupin 3.43 kg, barley 3.37 kg, silage 3.30 kg) or mean fibre diameter of the 12-month fleece (lupin 22.2 �m, barley 22.6 �m, silage 22.1 �m). In experiment 2, sheep were given no supplement, lupin, barley, or lupin and barley mixtures (metabolisable energy ratio, 1:3,1:1,3:1). All supplements increased liveweight change (P<0.01) and clean wool growth rates (P<0.05) compared with no supplement. There was also a trend towards an increase in total wool grown by supplemented sheep (3.8 - 4.00 v. 3.73 kg). Liveweight change during the first 71 days of feeding increased (P<0.01) as the proportion of lupin in the supplement increased, with no effects in the final 70 days of supplementation. During supplementation, clean wool growth rate increased (P<0.05) as the proportion of lupin in the mixture increased, but there was no significant effect on the total amount of wool grown over 12 months or on mean fibre diameter. Supplements resulted in increased (P<0.001) staple strength when compared with controls (21-25 v. 14 N/ktex).

The influence of type and timing of protein supplementation on wool growth and protein synthesis in the skin of young Merino sheep

1999 ◽  
Vol 50 (4) ◽  
pp. 497 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. G. Masters ◽  
G. Mata ◽  
S. M. Liu
Keyword(s):  
Protein Synthesis ◽  
Experimental Period ◽  
Protein Supplementation ◽  
The Other ◽  
Canola Meal ◽  
Protein Supplements ◽  
Wool Growth ◽  
Low Concentrations ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
Dietary Treatments

There is limited evidence that the response in wool growth resulting from feeding protected protein supplements continues after the feeding has stopped. Feeding such proteins, alternated with traditional supplements, may increase wool growth as much as continuous feeding but at a lower cost. This experiment aimed to determine whether the response to protected protein continued after the sheep were switched to a cereal supplement. Over a 2-month experimental period, 56 weaners (5 months old, weighing 26 kg) were used in a 2 × 2 factorial experiment. Half were fed a diet containing 25% canola meal [partially protected protein with high concentrations of sulfur amino acids (SAA)] mixed with oaten hay, urea, and minerals. The other half were fed the same diet but with lupin seed (highly degradable protein with low concentrations of SAA) replacing the canola meal. Within each of the 2 dietary treatments and in each of 2 months, half of the weaners were fed the diet continuously, the other half were fed the diet for 2 weeks followed by 2 weeks of a barley, oats, hay, urea, and minerals diet. Another group of 8 weaners was fed the oats–barley diet continuously for 2 months. All sheep were fed to lose 35 g liveweight/day. Weaners fed canola meal grew 11% more wool during the experiment and had a higher rate of protein synthesis in the skin than weaners fed lupins. The response to canola meal of wool and skin was the same whether feeding was continuous or alternated with oats–barley, indicating that the benefits from feeding partially protected proteins continues after feeding has stopped.

Studies on Western Australian Merino sheep. 1. Stud, strain and environmental effects on hogget performance

1992 ◽  
Vol 43 (6) ◽  
pp. 1381 ◽  
Author(s):  
RP Lewer ◽  
RR Woolaston ◽  
RR Howe
Keyword(s):  
Fibre Diameter ◽  
Strain Differences ◽  
Average Fibre Diameter ◽  
Weaning Age ◽  
Average Fibre ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
Wool Yield ◽  
Fleece Weight ◽  
Western Australian ◽  
Australian Merino

A 6 year study is reported of Merino studs and strains (Peppin, Collinsville and Bungaree) in Western Australia. Wool and body traits of males and females were measured, with additional subjective traits assessed on females. The effects of strain, stud (within strain), birth year, dam age, birth rearing rank, weaning age and their interactions were estimated using least squares procedures. When tested against studs, strain differences were significant for fibre diameter (both sexes), clean wool yield and about half of the subjective traits (females) but for none of the liveweights. Stud and year effects were significant for all traits, as was their interaction for most traits. Some studs were more stable between years than others in both clean fleece weight and average fibre diameter. Of the remaining effects, birth rearing rank influenced the greatest number of traits, while dam age only affected yield in ewes and some early liveweights. Peppins produced wool 2.0-2.3 microns finer than Bungarees, but not significantly different from Collinsvilles. Peppins also had the best subjective wool scores, but had the highest wrinkle scores and scored poorly on other subjective body traits. Twin-born hoggets produced 0.05-0.15 kg less clean wool than their single-born contemporaries, and their fleeces were about 0.4 microns coarser with poorer subjective qualities. Twins were also lighter from birth (by 23%) up to 17 months (by 5%) in females. Late-born lambs had higher birth weights, but lower subsequent weights, persisting until 12 months in females.

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