A review of effects of shearing on sheep production
M.E. Smith and M.L. Bigham, T.W. Knight, R.M.W. Sumner
Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hamilton and Whatawhata
Hill Country Research Station, Hamilton
Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production.
1980, 40: 215-220
The effects of once-yearly vs multiple shearing are reviewed.
In the trials where shearing took place in March or July an increase in
wool growth occurred. Based on returns from auction, second-shear wools
show a price discount for reduced staple length. This discount and
extra shearing costs need to be counterbalanced by the advantages of
improved colour, reduced crutching and ease of physical handling of
animals.
Research indicates that time of shearing can influence liveweight gains,
incidence of facial eczema, onset of oestrus, ovulation rate, mean date
of lambing and lamb growth rates. The review indicates there is a need
for a major increase in research on the effects of shearing on all
aspects of sheep production.
Keywords: NZSAPAB;
Last Updated 12-09-1998
