Fleece Measurement

Fleece Measurement results are used by growers and breeders to assist in the selection of superior animals for replacement breeding purposes, and for the sale of stud sheep by ram breeders. Fleece measurement results can also be used as a basis for classing individual fleeces into lines with strictly controlled ranges of Mean Fibre Diameter. This can enable growers to create speciality lines with greater accuracy than would be attained by visual selection alone. The Mean Fibre Diameter measurement gives growers the opportunity to select fleeces from the finest animals in their flock. As a result, the number of superfine sale lots tested by AWTA Ltd has increased significantly over recent years.

Fleece Measurement testing is conducted on a 20-50g sample of wool that has been removed from the midside of the sheep. For classing purposes the sample is taken from the ear-tagged animal a few weeks before shearing so that the results can be returned to the grower prior to the commencement of shearing.