A study of three breeds of sheep wintered in four environments

Abstract

A study has been made of the reactions of three breeds of sheep (Blackface, Cheviot and Wiltshire) to four different environments. Evidence was obtained that these breeds react differently to these different environments. No changes in rank occurred but the Blackfaces grew relatively faster on a good plane of nutrition than the other two breeds. Their wool production on a sample area was also relatively greater, due primarily to an increase in diameter of the non-medullated fibres. These differences indicate fundamental physiological differences in reaction to environment.