While genetics plays a key role in determining the potential lifetime wool production and wool quality of an individual sheep, the environment, both pre-and post-weaning, also plays a significant role.

In particular, the nutritional intake of the ewe during pregnancy and lactation must be sufficient to satisfy her own needs for maintenance and wool growth as well as supply adequate nutrients to her foetus and lamb for growth and development until weaning.   

Lambs born to better-fed ewes grow more clean wool that is finer than lambs born to underfed ewes. Breeding alone and careful selection of superior genetics will not lead to the expression of the full genetic potential of an animal for wool production and quality throughout its lifetime.

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