ABSTRACT
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplementation during different gestational periods on the wool production of sheep and lambs of the Ideal breed. Fifty-three adult Ideal sheep were used, with a mean body score inseminated by the laparoscopy technique using fresh sperm from a single breeder and his lambs. Treatment groups: No supplementation (n=9); Supplementation in the beginning of gestation up to 50 days (n=11); Supplementation from 51 to 100 days of gestation (n=11); Supplementation from 101 to 150 days - end of gestation (n=11) ;and Supplementation throughout the gestation (n=11). The supplementation was at 1.5% of body weight. After birth, lambs were kept with their mothers in cultivated pasture of black oats and ryegrass. Wool samples from sheep and lambs were taken in the left-hand region and sent to the laboratory for objective analyzes of wool fineness. The supplementation performed in the final third and throughout the gestation provides the best results, with increased sheep weight. Ewes that received supplementation throughout pregnancy had greater fiber diameter and body weight. The wool performance of lambs was not influenced by feeding sheep during gestation.
Keywords:
fiber diameter; velo weight; wool quality