Project Number: 5364-31000-010-03
Project Type: Nonfunded Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Dec 21, 2009
End Date: Jul 31, 2012

Objective:
1) Determine the effects of genetic composition on wool and pelt characteristics of crossbred sheep and lambs. 2) Determine whether environmental factors, such as nutrient quantity and quality, affect wool characteristics of sheep and lambs.

Approach:
1) Sections of lamb pelts and samples of wool will be collected as part of a larger breed evaluation and improvement study. Wool and pelt characteristics will be quantified. The data will become part of the larger dataset and used to determine the effects of genetic composition on various traits of crossbred sheep and lambs. 2) Collect wool samples from ewes and lambs that are part of studies to determine whether environmental factors, such as nutrient quantity and quality, affect the growth, health, and reproductive performance of young and mature sheep. The data will become part of a larger dataset and used to determine the effects of environmental factors on performance traits of sheep and lambs. Documents NFCA with Texas A&M.