Merino Crossbreeding and Objectionable Sheep Fibres: the Problem and Potential Solution

Abstract

The presence of trace amounts of pigmented, or white kemp, fibre in otherwise white wool restricts the flexibility of end-use for the wool. Increased crossbreeding in Australia, especially the minority involving coloured or kempy breeds, has produced concerns and uncertainty about occurrence of affected wool lots. It is important for the buyer to be aware of the existence of these objectionable fibres in wool lots. AWEX has changed clip preparation standards by instigating a new bale brand qualifier ("Y" suffix) in order to reduce uncertainty in the market concerning pigmented and kemp fibre contamination. Increase in the quantities of wool appraised for the auction market as containing pigmented or kemp fibre are shown together with estimates of the penalties applying for Merino fleece wools containing pigmented fibre. Gaps remain in information concerning the range of on-farm situations where the “Y” description is warranted. Research is currently being directed at both filling these gaps in information and at the provision of a practical and reliable presale test for detection of sheep fibre contaminants that are widely dispersed through the wool lot.

Keywords: wool contamination, crossbreeding, pigmented and medullated fibre, market penalties

Citation

"Merino Crossbreeding and Objectionable Sheep Fibres: the Problem and Potential Solution", M.R. Fleet, T. J. Mahar & J.A. Turk, Paper 41, Wool Industry Science & Technology Conference, October 2002, Hamilton, Victoria, Australia