SEASONAL-VARIATION IN WOOL GROWTH-RATE OF AWASSI SHEEP IN IRAQ

Monthly variation in wool growth rate and fibre diameter were studied in 18 Awassi rams of 18 months of age and 47.6 +/- 0.89 kg (mean +/- S E) in body weight (BW). Rams were maintained under a constant feeding level (2.5% of BW) during the whole experimental period (12 months). W ool growth rate (mg/cm2/d) was measured by mid-side patch technique an d the fibre diameter by Sonic Fineness Tester. Wool growth rate ranged between 0.612 and 0.792 mg/cm(2)/d with two peaks being recorded duri ng August (0.788) and February (0.792). Differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). Fibre diameter averaged 34 mm. The correlation coefficients between wool growth rate and each of ambient temperature (degrees C), day length (hr), BW, fibre diameter, were respectively 0. 16 (NS), 0.32 (NS), 0.26 (NS) and 0.88 (P<0.01).