DIFFERENCES IN MEAN FIBER DIAMETER AND FIBER DIAMETER VARIANCE IN FINE WOOL, STRONG WOOL, AND FINE X STRONG WOOL MERINO SHEEP SAMPLED AT 5 BODY LOCATIONS

Values for mean fibre diameter (FD) and FD variance were determined on wool samples obtained from five different locations on the bodies of progeny in fine wool, strong wool and fine X strong wool Merino sheep. The respective genetic groups numbered 48, 23 and 37 and were maintai ned as one flock on irrigated lucerne, rye grass and small grain pastu res. Mean FD and FD variance values were lower (P less-than-or-equal-t o 0.05) in fine wool progeny than in fine X strong wool contemporaries , which in turn had lower (P less-than-or-equal-to 0.05) means for bot h traits than strong wool progeny. Values for mean FD and FD variance of fine X strong wool progeny were roughly on midparent values. Both t raits increased from the anterior to the posterior position of the fle ece, with the means for samples obtained from the shoulder being lower (P less-than-or-equal-to 0.05) than those of britch samples. The mean FD values of belly and midrib samples were generally lower (P less-th an-or-equal-to 0.05) than those of back samples, except in the fine wo ol progeny. The variance of FD decreased (P less-than-or-equal-to 0.05 ) dorsoventrally in strong and fine X strong progeny. In fine wool pro geny, a similar tendency was small and insignificant. Concern for exce ssive FD variation in progeny of fine wool Tams mated to strong wool e wes is unwarranted. The processing performance of wool so produced is unlikely Lo be negatively affected.