Biological aspects of the sulphur content of Romney wool

D.A. Ross

N.Z. Wool Industries Research Institute, Dunedin

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Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production. 1961, 21: 153-165

There was a seasonal rhythm in the sulphur content of wool of free-grazing Romney ewes. The sulphur content was lowest when wool production was highest and vice-versa, so that within wide limits it is probable that the availability of sulphur is not a limiting factor in wool production.

The sulphur content of lambs' wool was low, increasing to the two-tooth fleece thereafter remaining constant to 5 years of age. There was considerable variation in the sulphur content both between years and between individual sheep.

There were variations in sulphur content over the fleece which were not due to weathering or medullation. Wool may be severely weathered with no apparent effect on the percentage of sulphur.

The sulphur content of fibres of secondary follicle origin was higher than that of those from primary follicles.

Keywords: NZSAPAB;

Last Updated 24-08-2000