Wool from sheep in northwest China is generally fine, weak, lacks stap
le and fleece structure and has a high dust content (greater than 50%
of the greasy wool weight). It is shown in this study that covering sh
eep with synthetic sheep rugs leads to improved performance at most st
ages of processing when compared to wool from unrugged controls. Scour
yields were improved 11.9%, Top and Noil yields 14.6%, Hauteur 5.1 mm
and brightness of the top by 6.3 tristimulus units. Ends-down were re
duced and yarn strength appeared to be improved. The reasons for such
results and their implications for the Chinese wool processing industr
y are discussed.