Study on the Thick Tip of Lamb's Wool of Superfine Merino Sheep

摘要

Superfine wool of Merino sheep has many distinct characteristics, especially its higher fineness. Generally, its mean diameter is about 16.5 μm and it is a good material for fine worsted fabrics. However, the region near the tip of a primary fiber has a coarser fiber diameter, with a value of 35-66 μm. The length of such a segment is usually up to 16-22 mm. The secondary fiber also has a small swelling segment near the tip, but the length of this segment is very short and difficult to determine. The existence of such fibers with thick tips would greatly decrease the final product quality. However, the fiber diameter of the wool becomes even and unchangeable along the fiber when a lamb is 4 months old. Therefore, we suggest that lamb's wool should be sheared for other uses on lambs over 4 months of age.