The influence of liveweight on wool production and reproduction in high country flocks

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Abstract
Liveweight, fleece weight, and barrenness, and their inter-relationships, have been studied in four high country flocks—two flocks with Merinos and two with halfbreds. Within flocks barrenness decreased with increasing liveweight, on average by 3–4% for each 10 lb increase. Fleece weight within flocks increased by 8.2% for each 10 lb increase in liveweight. Fleece weight differences at the two-tooth stage are maintained very strongly in subsequent years. In the four flocks studied the mean liveweight at first mating varied from 75–88 lb. Once the ewes entered the breeding ewe flock they ceased to increase in liveweight. so that liveweight at first mating determines liveweight for the whole ewe flock. The significance of these relationships and the importance of growing large sheep are discussed.

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