The effect of shearing on the appetite of the sheep

Abstract

Twenty 2-tooth Romney wethers were allocated at random into 2 groups: group A on an ad libitum ration and group C on controlled intake. The sheep were individually fed in outdoor pens. Livewcight, wool growth, heart rate, and rectal and skin temperatures were measured. Air temperature and wind velocity were also recorded. After shearing. the appetite of the ad libitum group increased by approximarely 50 per cent digestible dry matter. Liveweight of group A increased throughout. Group C lost weight after shearing. Heart rate increased after shearing in both groups, but rectal temperature remained at the same level as before shearing. Skin temperature fell after shearing The practical implications of these findings are discussed.