Field evaluation of dye-banding as a technique for measuring the seasonal variation in wool growth

Abstract

Dye-banding as a technique for measuring annual wool growth rhythms was tested for a two year period on Merino wethers grazing irrigated pastures at Deniliquin. A comparison was made between dye-banding and mid-side sampling in one experiment. Results from the two methods are highly correlated (r = +0.88 : P<0.01). The data reported permit a comparison of staple length, fibre volume and weight (by mid-side sampling) as measures of seasonal wool growth. Since wool production is directly proportional to fibre volume it is suggested that both mid-side sampling and dye-banding should be judged on the basis of their correspondence to measured fibre volumes.