Effect of selecting Perendale hoggets for loose wool bulk on fleece characteristics and wool end-product performance

R.M.W. Sumner, D.C. Maddever, J.N. Clarke

MAF Technology, Whatawhata Research Centre, Private Bag, Hamilton, New Zealand

Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production. 1991, 51: 347-352

Two lines of Perendale sheep selected for an against loose wool bulk as yearlings at hogget shearing were established at Whatawhata Research Centre in 1987. Each line consists of approximately 100 mixed age breeding ewes.

At ewe hogget shearing in 1989 loose wool bulk of the selection lines differed by 5.2±0.8 cm„/g for the high, medium and low bulk lots respectively. Each lot was processed into loose wool batting, carpet (woollen), knitting year (semi-worsted) and cloth (worsted). Significant differences in yard properties and product performance attributable to the achieved differences in bulk were obtained.

The results provide an indication of the wide range of wool products that can be made and the long term performance benefits that can be achieved through selection for loose wool bulk.

Keywords: NZSAPAB; Perendale; selection; loose wool bulk; fleece characteristics; wool product performance

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Last Updated 25-01-1997