Follicle curvature and crimp size in some selected Australian Merino groups

Abstract

A method of measuring the degree of follicle curvature in Australian Merino sheep has been devised. It was found that the degree of follicle curvature and the follicle curvature chord were highly correlated with the crimp size.

It is suggested that the fibre, "setting" in a more or less curved follicle canal, acquires a bend which contributes to the mechanism of staple crimp formation.