LUPINOSIS AND REPRODUCTION REDUCE THE WOOL GROWTH OF MERINO EWES

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.