Abstract

A study carried out on eight farms examined the effect of crossing the present flock (Corriedale or Romney) with East Friesians. Crossing East Friesian over Corriedales increased fibre diameter from 28.5±0.1 µm to 31.7±0.2 µm compared with straightbred Corriedales. Inclusion of up to ¾ East Friesian breeding over Romneys reduced the fibre diameter from 36.3±0.4 µm to 31.4±1.3 µm compared with straightbred Romneys. The effect on bulk of crossing East Friesians over Corriedale was variable. Based on an average wool price of 500c/kg clean for 28 µm Corriedale hogget fleece wool between 94/95 and 98/99, a change of 3.0 µm is likely to reduce the expected wool price by approximately 7%. Based on an average wool price of 400 c/kg clean for 36 µm Romney hogget fleece wool, a change of 4.0 µm is likely to increase the expected wool price by approximately 13%.

TC, Reid, and J Booker

Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production, Volume 61, Christchurch, 109-111, 2001