The description and analysis of wool growth

Abstract

Analyses of experimental estimates of the wool growth rate as a function of intake have previously been based on time-independent equations and linear regression with ordinary least squares. Some of these results are reanalysed with the assumption that the sheep is a dynamic system; hence a time-dependent description of wool growth is proposed. A recursive least squares technique has been used, and the results demonstrate that there is a 3½ week lag between intake and wool growth. Time-independent descriptions have not taken account of this and have led to the misconception that efficiency is a function of body weight change.