The influence of pregnancy and lactation on Merino wool production

Abstract

A comparison is made of the influence of pregnancy and lactation on two groups of merino stud ewes maintained under farming conditions in the Karoo. Pregnancy does not influence the fibre fineness of merino wool significantly. Lactation and the suckling of lambs influences the fibre fineness of merino wool. The reduction in fineness ranged from 11•7 to 25•9 per cent. in individuals. The reduction of fineness for the group was 12•7 per cent. Lactation reduced fibre fineness by one, two or three quality numbers. The fleece density or compactness of the fleece is reduced by 8•8 to 30•6 per cent. due to the refining of the fibre during lactation and the suckling of lambs. The scoured fleece weights are reduced by •3 to •7 pounds during the period of lactation and the suckling of lambs.