Measurements of wool production and its physiological components in a group of South Australian Merino sheep.

1961 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 696 ◽  
Author(s):  
KJ Hutchinson
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Conversion Efficiency ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Individual Values ◽  
Wool Production ◽  
Voluntary Feed Intake ◽  
Unit Body Weight ◽  
Prime Determinant ◽  
Fleece Weight

Data for wool production, feed intake, and body weight were recorded for a group of 31 rams selected from the South Australian strong-woolled Merino flock at Roseworthy. Measurements were made during (a) grazing, and (b) ad libitum pen feeding. A locally developed faecal nitrogen method was used to estimate intakes at pasture. For the pen diet, which contained 15% crude protein, two measurements of apparent dry matter and nitrogen digestibility were made for each sheep. The repeatability of gross conversion efficiency of feed into wool under grazing versus pen feeding was highly significant, viz. r = +0.79. While the repeatability of wool production was also highly significant, viz. r = +0 77, the repeatability of feed intake was not significant in these data, viz. r = +0 12 In pens, voluntary feed intake was found to vary with body weight to the power of + 1 09, the 99% fiducial limits extending from +0.81 to + 1 37 and thus excluding fractional powers conventionally assigned to basal metabolic nee&, e.g. +0.7. The physiological components of wool production were studied with the use of' the pen data. An identity was used which involved three terms, viz. gross conversion efficiency of feed into wool, gross feed intake per unit body weight, and body weight. Of these, gross conversion efficiency was the prime determinant of wool production. Gross feed intake per unit body weight was significantly associated with wool production (P<0.05), while the relationship between wool production and body weight was not significant in these data. In the pen experiment 'the regression relationship between voluntary feed intake and body weight accounted for approximately one-half of the variation in voluntary feed intake. A negative association between body weight and efficiency was also revealed. However, the general significance of this latter finding is doubtful, particularly in view of the variable relationships recorded between body weight and clean fleece weight for rams in 5 years' data from the general Roseworthy flock. For the experimental group of 31 rams, substantial differences were recorded in individual apparent digestive efficiencies for both dry matter and nitrogen. The ranges of individual values, expressed as four standard deviations, were 9.2 and 12.2% respectively. However, these differences did not contribute to differences in gross conversion efficiency of feed into wool, which suggests that the latter resides in either general or special aspects of metabolism.

Relative efficiencies of conversion of feed to wool at three levels of nutrition in flocks genetically different in wool production

1965 ◽  
Vol 5 (19) ◽  
pp. 390 ◽  
Author(s):  
AJ Williams ◽  
RJ Winston
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Differential Response ◽  
Intermediate Level ◽  
Wool Production ◽  
Low Level ◽  
Body Weights ◽  
Fleece Weight ◽  
High Level ◽  
Average Body

The efficiency of conversion of feed to wool was measured with adult ewes at three levels of nutrition. During the period at which each level was fed, changes in body weight and feed intake were minimized. These ewes were chosen as representative of the total drops of three flocks, one of which had been selected for high clean fleece weight (Fleece Plus), one for low clean fleece weight (Fleece Minus) and a control flock selected at random (Random). The intermediate and high levels of nutrition were intended to maintain 20 per cent and 44 per cent higher body weights than at the low level of nutrition. The average intakes of lucerne pellets at the low, .intermediate, and high levels of nutrition were approximately 500, 800, and 950 grams a day respectively. The average body weights at these intakes were 30, 36, and 45 kg and the average gains in body weight were -11, +7, and +16 grams a day during the 18 weeks of measurement at each level. There were no differences between the flocks in these measurements. The relative wool production of the Fleece Plus, Random, and Fleece Minus flocks changed between levels of nutrition, being 101 : 100 : 96 at the low level, 120 : 100 : 88 at the intermediate and 121 : 100 : 96 at the high level of nutrition. Part of this differential response could be attributed to different feed intakes between the flocks and part to a smaller decrease in the efficiency of the Fleece Plus flock with increasing level of nutrition. The relative net efficiencies measured at the intermediate level were 116 : 100 : 86.5 for the Fleece Plus, Random, and Fleece Minus flocks respectively.

Variation in feed intake as a cause of variation in wool production of grazing sheep

1960 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 585 ◽  
Author(s):  
PG Schinckel
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
High Group ◽  
Wool Production ◽  
Unit Body Weight ◽  
Ad Libitum ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
Grazing Sheep ◽  
Ad Libitum Feeding

Observations were made to determine whether differences between sheep in wool production under field grazing conditions reflected differences between individuals in feed intake. Sheep were selected for high, intermediate, and low levels of clean wool weight per unit body weight under field grazing conditions, and the feed intakes and wool production of these sheep were subsequently measured under pen conditions. On controlled feed intakes differences between sheep and between groups were less than those under field grazing conditions or under ad libitum pen feeding conditions. It was concluded that a, significant portion of the differences in wool production at grazing was referable to differences in feed intake. The group of sheep having high levels of wool production per unit body weight were found to have higher efficiency of conversion of feed to wool and also to have higher levels of feed intake under ad libitum feeding conditions. The rate of wool production of the high group was 22 per cent. greater than that of the low group under conditions of equal feed intake and 37 per cent. greater under conditions of ad libitum feed intake.

Genetic evaluation of production traits between and within flocks of Merino sheep. I. Hogget fleece weights, body weight and wool quality

1989 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 433 ◽  
Author(s):  
SI Mortimer ◽  
KD Atkins
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Environmental Effects ◽  
Genetic Variance ◽  
Research Centre ◽  
Production Traits ◽  
Merino Sheep ◽  
Wool Production ◽  
Phenotypic Correlations ◽  
Genetic And Phenotypic Correlations ◽  
Fleece Weight

Wool production traits were measured on Merino hogget ewes in an unselected multiple-bloodline flock over a 7-year period at Trangie Agricultural Research Centre, N.S.W. The traits measured were greasy fleece weight (GFW), skirted fleece weight (SKFW), yield (Y), clean fleece weight (CFW), fibre diameter (FD), body weight (BWT) and staple length (SL). These measurements were used to examine genetic differences between and within flocks of Merino sheep, and to estimate heritability of and genetic and phenotypic correlations among these traits. Significant strain, flock within strain and flock effects were present for all traits. Interactions between these effects and year were non-significant. Within-flock genetic variance was always larger than between-flock within strain genetic variance for each trait. The influence of environmental effects on these traits was also examined. The environmental effects of birth-rearing type, age at observation and age of dam together accounted for about 7-10% of the total within-flock variation in fleece weights and body weight.After adjusting for significant environmental effects, paternal half-sib heritability estimates were 0.29 �. 0.06 for GFW, 0.22 � 0.05 for SKFW, 0.35 � 0.05 for Y, 0.30 �0.06 for CFW, 0.48 �0.07 for FD, 0.34 �. 0.06 for BWT and 0.44 �0.07 for SL. Estimates for genetic and phenotypic correlations were in agreement with published estimates except for the genetic correlation between CFW and FD (0.40 �. 0.11), and the genetic correlations involving BWT, which were essentially zero. The implications of the results of this study for the genetic improvement of Merino sheep for wool production are discussed.

Treated sugarcane bagasse for maintenance of sheep in Brazil

1996 ◽  
Vol 1996 ◽  
pp. 172-172
Author(s):  
A.L. Abdalla ◽  
D.M.S.S. Vitti ◽  
N.L. del Mastro ◽  
M.S. Bueno
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Sugarcane Bagasse ◽  
Present Experiment ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Weight Changes ◽  
Corn Straw ◽  
Microbial Synthesis ◽  
Body Weight Changes ◽  
Wool Production

Several treatments for increasing digestibility of sugarcane bagasse (SCB) have been studied in Brazil for many years (Abdalla et al., 1990). Despite some improvements in in situ digestibility obtained with steam and pressure treatments, the SCB has not performed well when given to cattle (Mello Junior, et al., 1989). More recently, irradiation and ammonia has been tested in studies to improve the digestibility of SCB, rice and corn straw, rice and soybean hulls and others rough feed. The purpose of the present experiment was aimed to determine the intake, body weight changes, wool production and microbial synthesis in sheep fed with grass hay (Cynodon dactilon) or SCB treated with 600kGy of radiation and ammonia (20g/kg dry matter (DM)).

scholarly journals Body weight gain and voluntary feed intake in meat goat does fed endophyte-infected and endophyte-free tall fescue seed

2007 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
pp. 427-429
Author(s):  
R. Browning ◽  
J.R. Author ◽  
B. Donnelly ◽  
T. Payton ◽  
P. Pandya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Tall Fescue ◽  
Body Weight Gain ◽  
Southeastern United States ◽  
Voluntary Feed Intake ◽  
Endophyte Infection ◽  
States Data ◽  
Meat Goat

Tall fescue is the primary pasture forage offered to goats in the southeastern United States. Data on how tall fescue endophyte (Neotyphodium coenophialum) affects meat goat performance are lacking. In three summers, yearling does were fed diets containing tall fescue seed to assess the effect of endophyte infection on goat growth and feed intake. In 2004 and 2005, does were fed endophyte-infected (EI) or endophyte-free (EF) tall fescue seeds added to the diets for 10 wk. Feed refusals were weighed daily. The EI diet reduced (P

scholarly journals LAMB AND WOOL PRODUCTION FROM FIVE BREEDS ON RANGE

1966 ◽  
Vol 46 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. A. Vesely ◽  
H. F. Peters ◽  
S. B. Slen
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
The Other ◽  
Production Traits ◽  
Weaning Weight ◽  
Wool Production ◽  
Breed Differences ◽  
Percentage Yield ◽  
Ewe Lamb ◽  
Fleece Weight ◽  
Staple Length

Rambouillet, Romnelet, Columbia, Targhee, and Suffolk sheep were evaluated under range conditions for the production of lamb and wool in the period 1960–1963. The production traits analyzed were: birth and weaning weight; face cover and neck wrinkling; fertility, prolificacy, weaned lamb production, and body weight of ewe; lamb survival to weaning; grease and clean fleece weight, staple length, wool grade, and percentage yield of clean wool by yearling and mature ewes.Lambs of Romnelet were lighter at birth than those of the other breeds. Targhee and Suffolk were the heaviest at birth. Romnelet and Columbia lambs were lighter at weaning than those of Rambouillet, Targhee, and Suffolk.Fertility, prolificacy, and weaned lamb production were essentially the same in the four range breeds. Suffolk produced more weaned lamb than the other four breeds. There were no breed differences in the survival of lambs.Columbia exceeded all other breeds in production of grease and clean fleece weight. Suffolk produced the smallest amount of wool. Staple length of Columbia ewes was 4.3, 7.5, 18.6, 23.7 mm longer than that of Romnelet, Targhee, Suffolk, and Rambouillet ewes.

The value of production from a clipped measured area as an index of fleece weight.

1955 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 91 ◽  
Author(s):  
FHW Morley ◽  
LW Lockart ◽  
EC Davis
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Correlation Coefficient ◽  
Unit Area ◽  
Multiple Correlation Coefficient ◽  
Multiple Correlation ◽  
Merino Sheep ◽  
Wool Production ◽  
Fleece Weight ◽  
Selection Of

The correlation between greasy wool production per unit area, obtained by clipping and measuring an area of about 100 cm² on the midside, and greasy fleece weight at shearing was about 0.58. Wool production from such an area over periods of 7½ or 3½ months was almost as useful as production for 11 months for predicting greasy fleece weight. The multiple correlation coefficient between greasy fleece weight as the dependant variable and production per unit area and 11-months' body weight was 0.79 in 66 rams and 0.71 in 82 ewes. The inclusion of fold score did not improve prediction appreciably. The equation W = P/110 + B1 /12 may be used to predict greasy fleece weight (lb), W, where P is production over 11 months of greasy wool (mg/cm²) and B1 is 11-months' body weight (Ib). A table of this function is included so that values may be read directly. The technique may be a useful aid to selection of Merino sheep if recording of actual fleece weights is difficult or impossible. Nevertheless it should not be regarded as more than a moderately accurate substitute for actual fleece-weighing.

scholarly journals PSX-31 Effects of substitution of corn and soybean meal with dried distiller’s grains and solubles (DDGS) in legume based diets on lamb feed intake, body weight gain and blood metabolites

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 455-456
Author(s):  
Kianna E Lyte ◽  
Brou Kouakou ◽  
Jung Lee
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Soybean Meal ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Body Weight Gain ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
The United States ◽  
Soluble Carbohydrates ◽  
Blood Metabolites ◽  
Voluntary Feed Intake

Abstract In the United States, bioethanol is generated from corn and biodiesel from soybean oil to reduce the dependence on fossil fuels. Ethanol production generates DDGS, high in bypass protein and soluble carbohydrates, which can be used as a cheaper alternative replacement for corn and soybean. This experiment was conducted to evaluate voluntary feed intake, body weight gain and blood metabolites of lambs fed legume-based diets supplemented with corn and soybean meal or dried distillers grain with solubles (DDGS). Animals were individually housed in pens (1.52 mx 1.52 m) under a modified carport shed with woodchips as bedding. They were stratified into four groups (n = 9) with similar weights and standard deviation and randomly assigned to four treatments. The lambs were fed ground sericea hay (SL) or alfalfa meal (ALF) with either corn and soybean meal (control) or DDGS for 60 days. Treatments were SLC, SLDDGS, ALFC and AFLDDGS. The lambs were fed ad libitum based on their selected treatment and given water daily. At the end of the 60 days, weights and blood samples were collected. Plasma samples were analyzed for blood urea nitrogen (BUN), glucose and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA). Data were analyzed using Proc Mix Procedure of SAS. Results indicated that replacing corn with DDGS did not (P &gt; 0.05) affect voluntary feed intake, final live weight and carcass weight. Blood NEFA and glucose were not affected by dietary treatments. BUN increased in lambs fed alfalfa with corn and soybean meal compared to animals fed either legume supplemented with DDGS. Similarly animals fed sericea have lower (P &lt; 0.05) BUN (19 vs 23 mg/dL) when corn and soybean meal were replaced with DDGS. DDGS can be used in legume diets for growing lambs in replacement for corn and soybean meal.

Sensitivity of breeding objectives to prices and genetic parameters in Australian Corriedale and Polwarth dual-purpose sheep

1993 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 259 ◽  
Author(s):  
NM Fogarty ◽  
AR Gilmour
Keyword(s):  
Feed Intake ◽  
Selection Index ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Fibre Diameter ◽  
Dual Purpose ◽  
Wool Production ◽  
Price Differentials ◽  
Breeding Objective ◽  
Feed Costs ◽  
Fleece Weight

A profit equation was developed for Australian Corriedale and Polwarth dual-purpose sheep kept for both wool and lamb production. Ten traits contribute to income and costs and were included in the breeding objective. These encompass wool production, fibre diameter, and feed intake of breeding ewes and hogget ewe replacements; sale weight and carcass fat depth of lambs; and reproductive rate and mature weight of ewes. The relative economic value for each trait in the enterprise was calculated from the profit equation using income and costs for 1 year. Overall gain ($A) and gain in each trait in the breeding objective from selection using an index of hogget greasy fleece weight, hogget fibre diameter, dam's number of lambs weaned, lamb weight, and lamb fat depth are reported. The sensitivity of the genetic changes in each trait in the breeding objective and index coefficients were assessed for a range of prices of products and feed costs. Sensitivity to changes in heritabilities and genetic correlations was also assessed. The incorporation of these maternal traits into LAMBPLAN is discussed. For the standard parameters and prices used, gain in leanness accounted for one-third of overall gain ($/ewe. s.d. of selection). Other traits that contributed to overall gain were fibre diameter (28%), reproduction (18%), and growth (14%). There was a small gain through feed intake (8%), and a very small loss in wool weight. Measures of fatness, growth, and fibre diameter were the important traits in the selection index. Inclusion of hogget greasy fleece weight and dam's number of lambs weaned each added <1% to the efficiency of the selection index. Varying the sale price for lamb and the price differentials for fibre diameter and fat depth had the greatest impact on overall gain. High lamb price increased gains in both reproduction and lamb weight, whereas, high price differentials for fibre diameter and fat mainly increased gains in the particular trait. A large range in prices for wool had very little effect on the individual traits or overall. Changing feed costs had little effect on overall gain, although high feed cost reduced gains from reproduction which were compensated by reduced feed intake. Halving the heritability value for each trait reduced overall gain, largely through reduction in the trait. Varying the genetic correlations of wool production with other traits had little effect. However, when genetic correlations of reproduction with weight, fat, and fibre diameter were varied there were changes in overall gain, largely through reproduction.

The effect of age and live-weight on the feed intake of grazing wether sheep

1965 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 309-317 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Hadjipieris ◽  
G. W. Jones ◽  
W. Holmes
Keyword(s):  
Feed Intake ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Voluntary Feed Intake ◽  
Digestible Organic Matter ◽  
Faecal Nitrogen ◽  
Effect Of Age ◽  
Clover Pasture

SUMMARY1. Estimates of the voluntary feed intake of three age groups of wether sheep on ryegrass and white clover pasture from July to October, 1962, were made by total collection of faeces and the use of local faecal nitrogen-digestibility regressions.2. Average faecal output and intake of digestible organic matter (DOM) increased with age of the sheep. However, relative to body weight (W) or to W073, the aged sheep (5 years old), which did not change much in weight over the period, consumed only about two-thirds of the DOM consumed by the younger (sixteen- and four-month-old) growing sheep.3. For the growing sheep intake was directly related to weight. Intake was calculated to be 24 W (kg.)–28 ±108 g. DOM per day.4. The results are discussed in relation to the errors in estimation of digestibility. Comparison of the intake estimates with other published data suggests there was a high apparent maintenance requirement. The voluntary feed intakes observed, when expressed as g. dry matter per kg. W0–73, were somewhat higher for young sheep but lower for aged sheep than estimates of previous authors.

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