Wool production and characteristics of Merino and Longwool ewes and their respective Booroola crosses

H. Hawker, G.H. Davis, A.J. Allison

Invermay Agricultural Research Centre, Mosgiel

Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production. 1980, 40: 205-208

Data are reported from three comparisons of local breeds with their Booroola Merino crosses. Wool production of Booroola cross and local hoggets was similar in all trials. In both trials involving adult ewes the Booroola cross produced less wool than the local breed.

Booroola Merino and local Merino ewes grew very similar wool. Booroola x Longwool crossbreeding resulted in additive changes in fibre diameter, bulk, staple length and yield. The Booroola cross fleeces had poorer colour before scouring but similar colour after scouring. The lower yield of Booroola cross wool resulted in a lower price per kilogram of greasy wool.

Keywords: NZSAPAB;

Last Updated 12-09-1998