Why do fleece testing?

Fleece testing enables growers to rank animals within a flock based on a selection index derived from the measured parameters. There are a number of available indices and these generally include mean fibre diameter, yield, fleece weight and body weight. This then allows the breeder to use this information for selection purposes. If the data is recorded so that it can be associated with individual animals during shearing then it can also be used to assist in preparation of the wool clip.

It is critically important that growers using objective measurements as part of their selection for breeding purposes obtain professional advice. Over-emphasis on particular traits without taking account of other traits may lead in the longer term to a reduction in the economic value of the wool. Advice is available from the State Departments of Agriculture, CSIRO and from a number of private consultants.

However, fleece testing does provide a powerful tool to assist wool growers to more rapidly move towards their overall breeding and classing objectives.