Wool Production and Characteristics, Physiological and Haematological Parameters and Level of some Metabolic Hormones in Barki Ewes Shorn in Autumn as Alternative of Spring Shearing

This study was conducted under the semi-arid desert conditions of the northwest coastal belt of Egypt to evaluate the effect of autumn vs. spring shearing on wool production, some wool traits, physiological responses, thermal gradients, haematological, biochemical parameters and hormonal profile of thyroxin (T4) and cortisol of adult Barki ewes. Results show that autumn shearing reduced (P<0.01) body weight loss; resulted in heavier (P<0.05) greasy fleece weight with lower fiber diameter (P<0.05) and improved the uniformity of wool fiber diameter, point of staple break (P<0.05) and wool staple elongation rate (P<0.01) compared with spring shearing. Spring shearing resulted in higher skin temperature (P<0.05) and thermal gradient between rectal and skin temperature (P<0.01), elevated (P<0.05) serum globulin concentration and declined (P<0.05) albumin/globulin ratio. Serum T4 and cortisol profiles were not affected by shearing in spring or autumn. These results indicated that altering shearing time of Barki sheep from spring to autumn may be safely conducted without negative effects on wool production, physiological responses, blood constituents and animal homeostasis. The reduction in body weight due to shearing suggests the necessity of providing additive food supplementation after shearing to avoid weight loss particularly in autumn.