Variation in fibre and fleece characteristics between and within South African, New Zealand, and South African x New Zealand Angora goat genotypes

Twenty Angora goats of each of three genotypes, South African, New Zealand, and South African x New Zealand (Crossbred), were sampled prior to their t hird shearing at 18 months of age. Fibre samples were taken at six sites, n eck, shoulder, midside, britch, belly, and back. Staple length, yield, fibr e diameter, variation in fibre diameter, medullation, and kemp levels measu red on each sample. Genotype, site, and genotype x site effects were signif icant (P < 0.01) for all traits except mean fibre diameter. South African a nd Crossbred fibre was longer and length was less variable than in New Zeal and fleeces. There was no difference (P greater than or equal to 0.05) in m ean fibre diameter between genotypes but coefficient of variation of fibre diameter was significantly higher (P < 0.01) in New Zealand than Crossbred and South African fleeces. Medullation and kemp levels were low in South Af rican fleeces, less than 1% medullation and 0.5% kemp, with little differen ce between sites. Medullation and kemp levels were significantly higher (P < 0.01) in New Zealand than Crossbred fleeces, with similar trends in varia tion between sites for both genotypes. Quality of mohair from South African and Crossbred goats at 18 months of age was better than from New Zealand g oats, with South African fibre also superior to Crossbred fibre for some ch aracteristics.