Methods of Studying Cortical Differentiation in Merino Wool

Abstract

Accurate measurement of the relative areas of ortho- and paracortex segments in wool depends upon a suitable embedding technique which will allow proper cross-sectioning of dyed or undyed fibers and upon a dyeing procedure which will give optimum differentiation. A method of embedding is described in which fiber bundles are mounted in a gelatin capsule and embedded with butyl methacrylate, which has excellent hardness and sectioning properties. Differential dyeing is obtained with Methylene Blue for 40 sec at the boil or for 20 min in the cold, for either sections or whole fibers, in a buffer medium.