EFFECTS OF SULFUR DEFICIENCY ON PERFORMANCE OF FIBER-PRODUCING SHEEP AND GOATS - A REVIEW

Sulfur content and ratios of N/S of forages in specific geographic are as were compared with requirements to define regions of S deficiency i n the US and China, and results from animal experiments in deficient r egions were reviewed. Most forages and supplements in the US and China provide an inadequate N/S ratio for optimum wool or mohair production . In many cases, the percentage of S required was not met, whereas the N/S ratio indicated that S was adequate. In other cases, the reverse was true. Effects of S supplementation on rate of fiber growth and fib er quality are outlined. Nutritional and genetic methods to alleviate S deficiency in fiber-producing animals are discussed. Practical nutri tional approaches include: ( 1 ) dietary supplementation with inorgani c S to meet the requirements of ruminal microorganisms; (2) dietary su pplementation with ruminal escape protein or ruminally-protected S-con taining amino acids; and (3) S fertilization of grassland.