Variation in the protein intake of sheep in relation to wool growth

Abstract

Summary: 1. Two lots of twenty sheep each were fed indoors on rations known to produce satisfactory growth. The calorific value of the two diets was the same. One lot received 52 per cent, more digestible protein than the other. The diet of the low protein group was protein deficient according to the calculations of Wood.2. The sheep were shorn at the beginning of the experiment and again at its conclusion. Fibre measurements were made on samples taken at the same two periods from the same body area. The fleece and fibres grown during the experimental period were compared in each case with the fleece and fibres grown during the pre-experimental period. The fibre measurements included fineness, length and fibre weight.