Crimp in wool : the skin histology of normal and doggy-fleeced sheep

Abstract

The association between the frequency of wool follicles with grossly enlarged outer root sheaths and the severity of staple crimp abnormality, previously observed in adult Merino and Polwarth sheep, has been substantiated for adult sheep in Merino, Polwarth, and Corriedale flocks in five Australian States. In young sheep the association is somewhat less obvious.

Whereas in the skin of adult sheep gross enlargement of the outer root sheath was always present in those follicles producing poorly crimped fibres (identified by plucking), the outer root sheaths of the majority of follicles producing well-crimped fibres were normal or only slightly irregular.

This association between follicle outer root sheath enlargement and staple crimp abnormality is discussed.