Effect of dietary supplementation of zinc oxide and sodium Sulphate on wool quality in Sandyno sheep

Abstract

Wool production in sheep is determined by genetic factors, environmental conditions, nutrition, and the frequency of shearing. Heritable traits such as fleece weight, fibre diameter, and staple length significantly influence wool quality. Zinc deficiency adversely affects wool growth, resulting in weaker fibres and loss of crimp, while sculpture supplementation enhances wool yield, improves fibre characteristics. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate wool fibre characteristics of the Sandyno breed. Eighteen adult female Sandyno sheep of similar age and body weight were selected from the ILFC, Pookode, and divided into three groups of six in a Completely Randomized Design. The control group (T1) was fed a basal diet, while groups T2 and T3 received the basal diet with 20 mg zinc oxide + 3 g sodium sulphate/kg DM and 40 mg zinc oxide + 6 g sodium sulphate/kg DM, respectively. The 90-day trial involved shearing at the start, followed by assessments of wool properties (fibre diameter, fibre length, medullation percentage) on 0th day and 90th day. Wool fibre diameter was significantly different (p˂0.01) between treatments on day 90. No significant difference (p>0.05) was observed in fibre length and medullation percentage on day 90.These findings conclude that supplementation of inorganic zinc and sulphur positively influences wool quality in Sandyno sheep.