A study of seasonal wool production of a group of Coopworth breeding ewes and ewe hoggets

Abstract

The study of seasonal wool production in this group of Coopworth sheep has resulted in little information to add to the literature. Indications that grease production may vary differently, from wool production throughout the season give food for thought on further research possibilities.

There is little information available in the literature on grease production and this trial if expanded and continued for a period of years will provide the necessary statistical data required for any information on grease production.

This experiment has found that the high stocking rates of the grazing trial combined with the low levels of pasture availability (related to the drought) has resulted in the level of feeding having a marked effect on wool production. Seasonal variations because of the effect of photoperiod are also shown as are the results of pregnancy and lactation on the rhythm of wool growth.

The results of this experiment have shown very little correlation between assessed fibre diameter and measured fibre diameter and suggest that for purposes of accuracy the visual assessment may leave a lot to be desired.

By comparing the ranking of fleece weight of the hoggets to the ranking of greasy wool production from the midside patch the results show little deviation from correlations found in the literature.