@article {3672,
	title = {Changes in live weight and fleece characteristics during the lifetime of three breeds of New Zealand feral sheep that differ in fleece type},
	journal = {New Zealand Journal of Animal Science and Production},
	volume = {80},
	year = {2020},
	month = {09/2020},
	pages = {117-123},
	address = {Online},
	abstract = {Live weight after joining and nine fleece characteristics were recorded throughout the lifetime of flocks of Hokonui, Campbell
Island and Raglan sheep grazing at Whatawhata and Winchmore Research Centres between 1991 and 2004. The wool characteristics
were measured in 585 individual wool samples collected at shearing from 90 breeding ewes sampled between one year of age and
up to 12 years of age. Data on live weight, fleece weight, staple length, mean and variability of fibre diameter, fibre curvature,
crimping and core bulk were analysed after adjustment for effects of grazing location and reproductive performance during the
previous year. The three flocks differed in all measured characteristics, with all except live weight, mean fibre curvature and core
bulk exhibiting a significant flock by age interaction. Live weight attained a maximum at six years of age, while greasy fleece
weight and staple length decreased after two years of age. Core bulk decreased after three years of age. Fibre curvature decreased
and time to form a crimp increased throughout the sheep{\textquoteright}s life. Fibre diameter variability between and along fibres showed a
variable age response between flocks. The three feral flocks exhibited a different age response to continuously farmed breeds.

Keywords: fleece characteristics; age effects; Hokonui; Campbell Island; Raglan},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Sumner RMW and Scobie DR and O{\textquoteright}Connell D and Henderson HV}
}
