Wool Lab
Montana Wool Lab Activities
Research
Grab and Core Sampling Comparison. Grab samples, core samples and individual fleece samples were obtained from university sheep during shearing. Each fleece sample was identified by animal ID and Bale ID. Grab Samples and core samples were taken for each Bale. All wool samples were tested for AFD on the OFDA2000, OFDA100 and Laser scan. Analysis of wool AFD, Yield and staple length and strength testing is being done in association with the Yocom McColl Testing Laboratory and IWTO, Sydney Australia.
Along Fiber Distribution (Standard Deviation). The OFDA2000 has become a useful tool in determining the variation of change in fiber diameter for the wool growth cycle each year. Animals whose wool does not readily change due to environment may not be the best animals to keep in the flock. This study will look at animals to determine if a large SD along the fiber produces better breeding stock than animals that do not change. Maternal traits will be compared to Along Fiber Distribution.
Coefficient of variation, density and fleece weights. Uniformity of wool fiber diameter is an important processing characteristic. Fine, uniform wool typically commands the best price for quality textiles. Preliminary results show that selection for uniformity within a fleece will not lower fleece weight and thus bring a higher price.
OFDA2000 and LDP standards. Classing wool during shearing time to separate inferior wool has become important to produce a quality clip bringing a better overall price for the grower. With the LDP payments for graded wool it is important to be as accurate as possible in classing wool lines. The OFDA2000 has been used to assist in sorting these lines by grading each fleece that comes off the shearing floor and setting up LDP cut-offs. Core samples are taken from each lot of wool and compared to the OFDA2000 AFD for each line. Preliminary results are showing that the use of the OFDA2000 has been advantageous to separating wool according to desired LDP standards and therefore brings about the best possible price for the producer.
Nutritional Studies
Study 1. Lamb survivability is an important aspect for producers. A 7-minute difference in cold tolerance can correspond to a drop in field mortality of 9% (Stott and Slee, 1987). The amount and activity of brown adipose tissue provides protection against cold until the lamb can nurse. The increased plain of nutrition that ewes are placed on may affect the ewe’s wool quality as well as the quality of the lamb’s wool. Ewes will be placed in 3 different groups and fed differing diets. Dye banding will be done on ewes before prescribed feeds are started and will be dye banded at the end of feed trial. Wool will be tested for AFD, yield, color and length and strength. Yearling ewe lamb wool will be tested for AFD, yield, color and length and strength.
Study 2. Noxious weeds are being controlled by the use of sheep. Many noxious weeds provide very high protein content. Sheep will be tested for wool quality, yield, color, AFD and length and strength.
Extension
Using the OFDA2000 and Lyco Dominator Wool Baler, on-farm and in lab work is being done to help producers improve their wool clip. Producers are able to have their wool tested at or before shearing to sort their wool into similar lines. Producers have the option of delivering their wool to the lab, whereby it is rebaled in the appropriate nylon packs giving them an advantage at sale time.
Eastern Montana Consolidated Pool Project. This project has been a success. Producers are catching on to sorting of wool, increasing wool quality within their own clip. Each lot of wool is being visually graded for fiber diameter, length, and quality. Wool delivered in inappropriate bags or sacks and lots less than 300 pounds are rebaled using the nylon bales. At time of delivery bales are weighed, cored and grab sampled. In laboratory testing is done for AFD, yield and length and strength for each lot of wool. The 2006 year will bring about new technology as the Montana Wool Lab has obtained a grab sampling unit. We will now be able to weigh bales, use an automated core and grab sampler and sort the wool with the OFDA2000. This will contribute in an increased uniformity of wool lines and bring a higher rate of return to the producer.
Education and Demonstrations. The Montana Wool Lab has been fortunate to travel with the OFDA2000 to different venues within the state and out of the state. Some of these included the Montana Woolgrowers meeting in Billings, The Idaho Woolgrowers Association and in cooperation with ASI the OFDA200 was shipped for demonstrations in Michigan.
Producer Work
Micron evaluation of fiber diameter. This process is an important tool in the wool industry. It is used for selection in breeding, marketing and NSIP.
Yield evaluation of wool lots. Testing for yield, along with micron results, give producers and buyers the advantage of an even bargaining table. It reduces the risk to both parties involved I wool marketing.
MSU Ram Test. Objective measurement of test rams for fiber diameter. Data collection for staple length, fleece weights and yield.
State Ram Sale in Miles City. Objective measurement of sale rams, including histograms of fiber diameter.
Teaching
Montana State University.
Sheep Production — Wool Lectures and Labs
Sheep Practicum — Introduction to Wool
Animal Science Freshmen Class — Wool Lecture
Extension.
4-H and FFA workshops
Ag in the classroom