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An evaluation of Merino wool quality:IV. The classification of fibres according to follicle type

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 March 2009

J. R. Gallagher
J. R. Gallagher
Affiliation:
Department of Livestock Husbandry, University of New England, Armidale, N.S.W., Australia
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Summary

Histological sections of skin samples from two Merino flocks were studied to determine if coarse fibres were from primary (P) or secondary (S) follicles.

The mean fibre diameters of P and S fibres were 23.7 and 19.7 µ respectively in flock 1 (significantly different P < 0.5) and 23.1 and 20.5 µ respectively in flock 2 (not significantly different).

The percentages of fibres exceeding 30 µ in flock 1 were 10.1% P and 1.0% S. In flock 2, the percentages of fibres exceeding 30 µ were 10.3% P and 0.6% S fibres. If 30 µ is taken as an arbitrary level of fibre fineness, then the majority of coarse fibres wore from P follicles.

The observed S/P ratios were 22.8/1 at 16 months on flock 1 and 21.7/1 at 15 months in flock 2.

Type
Research Article
Information
The Journal of Agricultural Science , Volume 76 , Issue 3 , June 1971 , pp. 383 - 385
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1971

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References

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