Efficiency of conversion of food to wool in five Merino strains

Abstract

Seventy-five wethers, 2 and 3 years old and representing five strains of Merino, were maintained at constant body weight for a period of 4 months on a ration of lucerne chaff and wheat. Their food consumption and wool production over this time were measured. There were differences among the strains in efficiency of conversion of protein or of energy to wool, the trend being from strong non-Peppin, as most efficient, to the fine non-Peppin as least, with the three medium-wool strains occupying intermediate positions.