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The staple strength of wool from Merino ewes (liveweight 41 kg; condition score 1.5) was assessed in response to a short-term nutritional restriction at different stages of pregnancy and lactation. Single- and twin-bearing ewes were fed to maintain maternal liveweight (control) or restricted to lose 2 kg in maternal liveweight between Days 85 and 98, 113 and 126, or 141 and 154 of pregnancy, or Days 169 and 182 in early lactation. Unmated control ewes were fed to maintenance, and a group of unmated ewes was restricted between the equivalent of Days 141 and 154 of pregnancy. All groups were maintained in group-feeding pens from Day 8 of pregnancy to 4 weeks after weaning of lambs. The ewes were fed lucerne hay. Control ewes fed to maintain liveweight produced sound wool (unmated 52.7, or single-rearing 46.0, and twin-rearing 43.0 N/ktex). Nutritional restriction only reduced the staple strength of wool produced by unmated ewes by 2.2 N/ktex ( |
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