Effect of selecting Perendale hoggets for loose wool bulk on fleece characteristics and wool end-product performance

Two lines of Perendale sheep selected forand against loose wool bulk as yearlings at hogget shearing were established at Whatawhata Research Centre in 1987. Bach line consists of approximately 100 mixed age breeding ewes. At ewe hogget shearing in 1989 loose wool bulk of the selection lines differed by 5.2fo.8 can3/g. The lines were of a similarlive weight with a similar greasy and clean fleece weight. Wool from the lines was of a similar mean fibre diameter, brightness and yellowness. Tbe high bulk hue wool was 4.5k1.240 lower yielding and 236 mm shorter than the wool from the low bulk line. Fleeces from the selection lines, were regrouped to provide 3 distinct lots with respect to loose wool bulk to evaluate end-product performance. Core bulk of tire lots was 3 1.2.28.0 and 23.4 cm’/g for the high, medium and low bulk lots respectively. Each lot was processed into loose wool batting, carpet (woollen), knitting yam (semi-worsted) and cloth (worsted). Significant diierences in yarn properties and product performance attributable to the achieved differences in bulk were obtained. The results provide an indication of the wide range of wool products that can be made and the long term performance benefits that can be achieved through selection for loose wool bulk.