The dyebanding and tattooed patch procedures for estimating wool production and obtaining samples for the measurement of fibre diameter

Abstract

The dyebanding and tattooed patch techniques of estimating wool production were compared in three experiments, and in two of these, mean diameters of wool fibres taken from the tattooed patches and from the dyebands were also determined. There were significant differences at some times of the year between the two estimates of wool production and in fibre diameter in two of the experiments. Possible reasons for these differences are discussed. The dyebanding and tattooed patch techniques appeared to be of similar precision, and the errors associated with these techniques were small compared with the variation between sheep. It is suggested that, where possible, the experimental design should be modified to include a preliminary period so that wool growth during this period can be used as a covariate.