Effects of Abomasal Supplements of Methionine on the Wool Follicles and Skin of Wheat-Fed Sheep

Abstract

In wheat-fed sheep, supplemented abomasally with 1·5-6·0 g methionine per day, poor formation and improper keratinization of the wool fibres were evident 4 days after the start of the methionine supplementation. This led to kinking of the fibres. Subsequently severe distortion of the fibres, accompanied by gross thickening of the outer root sheaths, occurred in the distal (upper) halves of most follicles. Within this thickened region partial degradation of the distorted fibres occurred before emergence from the skin surface, causing a marked reduction in the tensile strength of the wool.