Abstrakt: |
Seven experiments are reported in which methionine supplements were given directly into the abomasum of Merino wethers grazing either improved or native pasture at Armidale, New South Wales. In 4 experiments where initial wool growth was 0.4-0.8 mg/cm2.day of clean dry wool, significant increases in wool growth (at 2.4 g methionine/day in 3 experiments and 0.6-4.8 g/day in the fourth) and fibre diameter were obtained when methionine was given once daily in capsules. In the fourth experiment the response to methionine was quadratic, with a maximum at 2.4 g/day. In the remaining 3 experiments, where initial wool growth was >1.1 mg/cm2.day, no significant response to methionine was obtained, whether it was given once daily or infused continuously. |