Reduction In Wool Follicles Prior To Birth In Merino Sheep

This study on Merino sheep found that secondary wool follicles reached their maximum ratio to primary follicles (S/P) 16 days before birth, with a significant reduction by birth (P<0.002) and at all postnatal ages (P<0.05). The initiation of secondary follicles was completed several weeks before birth, resulting in fewer secondary follicles at birth compared to 134 days of gestation. Postnatal follicle densities and fiber-producing follicle percentages followed previously reported patterns.