Al. Barnes et al., LUPINOSIS AND REPRODUCTION REDUCE THE WOOL GROWTH OF MERINO EWES, Australian journal of experimental agriculture, 37(5), 1997, pp. 515-521
Lupinosis was induced in Merino ewes by subcutaneous injections of pho
mopsins. Liver damage and impairment of liver function was measured by
increases in plasma activities of glutamate dehydrogenase and gamma g
lutamyl transferase, plasma concentrations of bilirubin, and plasma cl
earance of bromosulfthalein. The wool growth of the ewes during and af
ter exposure to phomopsins at different periods relative to mating was
measured, and the impact of lupinosis on annual wool production asses
sed. Phomopsin administration decreased the length of staple grown dur
ing, and for at least 6 weeks after, exposure to phomopsins. Mean fibr
e diameter of wool grown during this time was also reduced. Annual woo
l production of the ewes was affected by exposure to phomopsins, with
effects noted on fleece weight, yield, fibre diameter, strength and po
sition of break. These effects were minor and varied between experimen
ts. The adverse effects of reproduction on annual wool production were
more significant than those of phomopsins.