The influence of zinc-methionine bioplex supplementation to pregnant and lactating sheep on selected wool parameters
<p>The most important nutrients affecting wool production include sulfur amino acids, such as methionine, and minerals, such as zinc, and their deficiency may cause wool production decrease. The aim of this study was to evaluate an effect of zinc and methionine chelate addition on the qualitat...
| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Copernicus Publications
2019-03-01
|
| Series: | Archives Animal Breeding |
| Online Access: | https://www.arch-anim-breed.net/62/99/2019/aab-62-99-2019.pdf |
| Summary: | <p>The most important nutrients affecting wool production
include sulfur amino acids, such as methionine, and minerals, such as zinc, and
their deficiency may cause wool production decrease. The aim of this study
was to evaluate an effect of zinc and methionine chelate addition on the
qualitative characteristics of Merino ewes wool and zinc content in wool
fibers and on their surface. Histological evaluation of fibers was also
performed. The study included 22 Polish Merino ewes divided into two
groups: control and experimental (0.4 g chelates daily per head). The
experiment lasted for 4 months (3.5 months of pregnancy and 2 weeks of early
lactation). The length, thickness and breaking force of wool fibers were
higher in the experimental group compared to the control group. Higher
content of zinc in wool of sheep from the experimental group was also
demonstrated. The histological structure of fibers from both groups did not
differ, as the content of zinc on their surface. It can be concluded on the
basis of the obtained results that the addition of chelates favorably
influenced the thickness compensation of wool fibers and amount of wool
obtained from sheep during pregnancy and early lactation, as well as
mechanical features of wool.</p> |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 0003-9438 2363-9822 |