A review of the use of sheep coats to improve the processing potential of wool
1993
Ford, K.L. | Cottle, D.J. (New South Wales Univ., Kensington (Australia). Dept. of Wool and Animal Science)
Damage to or contamination of wool fibres can lead to problems during processing and to severe price discounts being imposed. It is possible to reduce the VM content and-or improve the style of the wool through the use of sheep coats or rugs. Sheep coats have been used since the 1930s with varying degrees of success. Benefits of using sheep coats include protection from heat and cold stress, a reduction in body flystrike and fleece rot, increased clean fleece weight and a reduction in VM and dust content. The benefits of rugging vary from season to season and depend on the amount of protection already provided by the fleece. In a trial conducted by UNSW it has been found that it is necessary to use two coats per wool growing year to accommodate growth of wool and body. Coats incorporating a gusset have proven particularly useful, allowing careful adjustment of the coat off-shears. There have been few problems observed during lambing in coated ewes. In order to do a valid cost-benefit analysis, further data on skirted fleece weights, wool types and VM content would be required
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