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

Abstract

SUMMARYHistological 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.