Factors used to Calculate the Merino DMFR Rating

The Dark and Medullated Risk factor for merino wool is a numerical indicator ranging from 1-6, where the higher the number the greater the risk of contamination being present.

Measurement of such contaminating fibres in greasy wool from well bred merinos is not an easy task as they are usually located in discrete clumps within the bale.  Consequently there is a sampling problem.  Due to these inherent difficulties Australia has taken the approach of attempting to minimise contamination by emphasising on-farm management techniques.

A system for quantifying dark fibre risk was developed by CSIRO during the 1980’s . The system relies on wool growers providing correct information about their animal husbandry and wool management practices. The Australian Federation of Wool Organisations (FAWO) co-ordinated a program to implement a modified version of this system in 2003/04.