Effect of Estradiol and Testosterone Injections and Thyroidectomy on Wool Growth in Shearling Sheep

Abstract

The present study wai undertakeh ro der-ermine the effect on wool growth of l) liigh levels of estradiol and testosterone, and 2) thyroidectomy. MATERIALS AND METIIODSForty-eight grade Corriedale shearling sheep, half of which were ewes and half wethers, were used in this study. They were divided at randorn into three equal groups on the basis of #ool'production and body weight.Ewes and w6theri were disuibuted equally anh a further division i,rrr -id" !)' thyroidectomizing one-half of the ewes and wethers in each group 5 weeks before treatment was ,begun. Despite the fact that great care was taken in the extirpation of ihe thyroi-d For personal use only.[Vol. The use of testosterone on both intact and thyroidectomized wethers had no effect on wool growth when compared with the appropriare conrrols. Fibre CharactersThe average fibre lengths, thicknesses, and densities are shown in For personal use only.