Seasonality in wool growth under semi-arid conditions

Abstract

SummaryWool samples from 49 ewes representing four breeds of sheep, Ossimi, Rahmani, Barki and Merino were used to study the seasonal variation in wool growth. The first three breeds are of the local carpet-wool types of Egypt.Consistent differences were found between breeds in diameter and length of fibres (i.e. genetic effects). These effects were not modified by the environment (i.e. time of year) although the latter had different effects on diameter than on length. Medullation, however, was not consistent from breed to breed in all seasons (i.e. there was genotype x environment interaction). It is concluded that seasonality in wool growth exists under the semi-arid conditions of Egypt in local breeds but to a lesser extent in imported Merino sheep.