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https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/7510
Title: | Fat depth, muscle depth, fat score and wool growth in Merino dams selected for high or low clean fleece weight and bodyweight | Contributor(s): | Refshauge, Peter Gordon (author); Hatcher, S (author); Hinch, Geoffrey (author) ; Hopkins, David L (author); Nielsen, S (author) | Publication Date: | 2010 | DOI: | 10.1071/AN09210 | Handle Link: | https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/7510 | Abstract: | Concerns exist that selection for increased clean fleece weight (CFW) is expected to reduce body fatness. Such an effect is likely to impact on reproduction; however, all previous studies have examined non-reproductive yearlings or hoggets. The present study, using adult reproductive dams examined the impact of phenotype [based on high or low phenotypic CFW and bodyweight (BWT) performance], stocking rate (high or low) and litter size on body composition and wool traits. High CFW dams were heavier (P < 0.01) with lower fat depth (P < 0.01) and muscle depth (P < 0.05). The high CFW twin-weaning dams had a lower fat score from lamb marking to pre-joining (P < 0.05), but tended to replete fat reserves faster (P < 0.1) between weaning and pre-joining. At these times of repletion these animals grew longer wool staples (P < 0.05). High BWT ewes had reduced staple length (P < 0.01), and when adjusted for maternal liveweight also reduced fat depth (P < 0.001) and muscle depth (P < 0.05). We conclude that the CFW phenotype impacts on fat reserves but that management of dams in groups according to their CFW performance is not warranted. | Publication Type: | Journal Article | Source of Publication: | Animal Production Science, 50(6), p. 479-484 | Publisher: | CSIRO Publishing | Place of Publication: | Australia | ISSN: | 1836-5787 1836-0939 |
Fields of Research (FoR) 2008: | 070206 Animal Reproduction | Socio-Economic Objective (SEO) 2008: | 830311 Sheep - Wool | Peer Reviewed: | Yes | HERDC Category Description: | C1 Refereed Article in a Scholarly Journal |
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Appears in Collections: | Journal Article School of Environmental and Rural Science |
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