The influence of feed on the Merino sheep

Abstract

The influence of feed on two groups of Merino hamels which were given different quantities of lucerne, mealies, oats, and saltbush was studied. The body weights of the sheep were reduced by 15.8 per cent when the feed was reduced. The sheep that were kept on a full ration gained 10.8 per cent on their initial weights. When the sheep were kept on a reduced ration for nine month and then placed on a full ration, their weights gained by 39.1 per cent. Underfeeding reduced the scoured fleece weights by 31.8 per cent. As regards fibre thickness the underfed group produced a considerably finer wool. The initial fibre fineness of 17.9 µ was reduced to 14.3 µ, a reduction of 36 per cent in cross sectional area. The latter fibre thickness was restored to the initial stage by good feeding. An 80's quality wool was reduced to a 150's by starvation and the latter restored to the original quality number by good feeding.