The Utilization of Inorganic Sulfates and Urea Nitrogen by Lambs

Abstract

Sulfur deficiency was produced in growing lambs fed a purified diet low in sulfur. Deficient lambs exhibited gradual failure of appetite, loss of body weight, emaciation and death. Depraved appetite occurred in all animals. In the absence of dietary sulfur, urea nitrogen was apparently not utilized, since deficient lambs were consistently in negative nitrogen and sulfur balance. The rate of wool growth decreased but the amino acid composition of the wool produced by sulfur-deficient lambs appeared normal.