Effect of zinc supplementation to the rations on wool production in Ossimi ewes

Document Type : Research article

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Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt

Abstract

A trial was conducted on forty adult, dry, local Ossimi ewes, 3-4 years old, and live weight ranged from 45 to 55 kg. The trial included four experimental groups; each group had ten ewes. The control group was fed on the main ration; group 1 was fed on a main ration provided with 0.2 mg Zn/kg DM /head/day; group 2 was fed on a main ration provided with 0.3 mg Zn/kg DM/head/day; and group 3 was fed on a main ration provided with 0.6 mg Zn/kg DM/head/day. This work was done to assess the influence of zinc on wool production in Ossimi ewes. All wool productive traits were evaluated. Results indicated that ewes fed rations rich in zinc significantly (P ≤ 0.05) enhanced yield, fiber diameter (FD), staple strength (SST), and elongation percent (ELO %). Additionally, the zinc blood plasma level was increased in the zinc-treated ewes compared to the control. Adding 0.6 mg of zinc to Ossimi ewes’ diets improves their wool quantity and quality.

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Archives of Agriculture Sciences Journal
Volume 8, Issue 1
April 2025
Pages 122-129

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