Study on the Thick Tip of Lamb's Wool of Superfine Merino Sheep

Abstract

Superfine wool of Merino sheep has many distinct characteristics, especially its higher fineness. Generally, its mean diameter is about 16.5 µm and it is a good material for fine worsted fabrics. However, the region near the tip of a primary fiber has a coarser fiber diameter, with a value of 35—66 µm. The length of such a segment is usually up to 16—22 mm. The secondary fiber also has a small swelling segment near the tip, but the length of this segment is very short and difficult to determine. The existence of such fibers with thick tips would greatly decrease the final product quality. However, the fiber diameter of the wool becomes even and unchangeable along the fiber when a lamb is 4 months old. Therefore, we suggest that lamb's wool should be sheared for other uses on lambs over 4 months of age.

Keywords

Merino sheep lamb's wool thick tip

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Mu Yao , “Present Development Situation and Outlook of Fine Wool Sheep and Superfine Wool Sheep”, Speech in Fine Wool Discussion by Stockbreeding Bureau of Agricultural Department in China, April 2004.

Brown, D.J. , Crook, B.J. , and Purvis, I.W. , Variation in Fibre Diameter Profile Characteristics between Wool Staples in Merino Sheep, Wool Technol. Sheep Breeding, 48(2), 86—93 (2000).

Madeley, T. , and Postle, R. , Physical Properties and Processing of Fine Merino Lamb's Wool, Textile Res. J., 69(8), 576— 582 (1999).

Brad, J. , Crook, L. , Piper, R. , and Mayo, O. , Phenotypic Associations Between Fiber Diameter Variability and Greasy Wool Staple Characteristics Within Peppin Merino Stud Flocks, Wool Technol. Sheep Breeding, 42(4), 304—318 (1994).

Francis, S.M. , Bray, A.R. , and Scales, G.H. , Wool Quality Characteristics of Purebred Merino and Merino Crossbred Lambs from Three to Twelve Months of Age, Wool Technol. Sheep Breeding, 48(4), 259—268 (2000).