A comparison of Damara crossbred and Merino lambs wool

Abstract

Lambs wool production and qualities from the progeny of 2 Merino and 2 Damara rams mated to Merino ewes were compared. The crossbred lambs produced about half the amount of wool and had high fibre diameter variation and medullated fibre components. Merino lambs wool was contaminated with pigmented and medullated fibres apparently transferred from continual exposure to the Damara crossbred lambs; supporting the requirement for specific labelling ("Y" suffix) to make buyers aware. Wool production declines, restrictive crossbred wool qualities and wool contamination (including effects on the maternal fleece) reduce wool income during crossbreeding and need to be considered in the diversification to a woolless sheep enterprise.