Seasonal wool production of Romney and Merino × Romney wethers

Abstract

Wool of Romney and Merino × Romney wethers born in 1968 and 1970 was harvested from a tatooed midside patch at intervals of 28 or 56 days from approximately 20 weeks of age until 5 years of age. In addition, Merinos born in 1970 and Romneys and Merinos born in 1971 were sampled at intervals of 28 or 56 days from aproximately 20 weeks of age until 2 years of age. The Romney and Merino × Romney had similar wool growth cycles except for Romneys born in 1970, which grew less (P < 0.05) wool in winter, particularly at i, 4, and 5 years of age, than the Merino × Romney. Both groups of Merinos grew more (P < 0.01) wool in winter and less in summer than Romneys. These results indicate that crossbreeding with the Merino had little effect on the seasonal wool-growth cycle of the Romney.