Seasonal wool growth patterns and the follicle and fibre characteristics of New Zealand feral sheep.

摘要

Wool follicle and fibre characteristics, and aspects of their seasonality were assessed in feral sheep from the Hokonui Hills (Merino origin), Campbell Island (Merino X longwool breeds) and Raglan Peninsula (New Zealand Romney). Live weight, fleeceweight, staple length, crimp frequency, fibre diameter, fibre curvature, follicle density and secondary:primary follicle ratio differed between breeds, reflecting their breed origins. Mean clean fleece weights of the feral breed groups were approximatelyhalf that of their modern counterparts. Factors contributing to the low productivity were reduced staple length and follicle density, and a brief cessation of growth by some follicles during spring. The mean amplitude of rhythms in seasonal wool growthand fibre diameter increased with age and appeared to have converged to similar values, contrasting with their modern breed counterparts.