Title : Effects of Australian Merino introgression on wool quality traits of Orkhon wool sheep breed
Abstract:
This study evaluated the effects of Australian Merino introgression on selected wool quality traits of Orkhon fine-wool sheep under Mongolian production conditions. Wool samples were collected from 142 sheep representing two genetic groups: F1 Merino × Orkhon crosses produced by artificial insemination using frozen semen from Australian Merino rams (1–2 years of age) and purebred Orkhon fine-wool ewes aged 3–6 years. Greasy fleece weight, scoured wool yield, fiber composition, fiber length, and fiber diameter were analyzed using standard laboratory methods. Data were analyzed using a General Linear Model to assess the effects of genotype, age, and their interaction. Scoured wool yield ranged from 57.63% in F1 yearling rams to 62.32% in adult purebred ewes and was significantly affected by age (p < 0.05), whereas the genotype effect was not significant (p > 0.05). F1 Merino × Orkhon sheep exhibited a significantly higher proportion of fine fibers and finer down fiber diameter (20.58–21.21 µm) compared with purebred Orkhon sheep (22.14–26.00 µm) (p < 0.05). Fiber diameter increased progressively with age, indicating age-related fiber coarsening. A significant genotype × age interaction was observed for fiber diameter, demonstrating that the influence of Merino introgression was more pronounced at younger ages. The results confirm that the use of frozen semen from Australian Merino rams is an effective strategy for improving wool fineness in Orkhon fine-wool sheep without adversely affecting scoured wool yield. These findings provide a scientific basis for further genetic evaluation and the development of sustainable fine-wool breeding programs in Mongolia.
