Pre- and post-partum variation in wool cortisol and wool micron in Australian Merino ewe sheep (Ovis aries).

ABSTRACT: An individual merino sheep's output of wool production is influenced by synergistic interactions of sheep genetics, climate, farm management, and nutrition available to the whole flock. The price paid to the producer for this wool commodity is determined via numerous tested parameters and /or subjective appraisal of the raw greasy wool. This research investigated the level of variation in wool cortisol (a physiological stress biomarker) and wool micron (MIC) in Merino ewes (Ovis aries), pre-partum and post-lambing (lactation/lambs at foot), using maiden ewe (n = 38) managed in an outdoor paddock in a commercial farm. The key findings of this study are; (1) wool quality indicators showed a significant variation between pre- and post- parturition including significant reduction

SUBMITTER: Sawyer G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8086564 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature