Factors influencing fleece rot in sheep

Abstract

Fleece samples were collected from 15 susceptible and 15 resistant sheep from 14 flocks in four States. All flocks had a high incidence of fleece rot. Each sample was examined for wax and suint contents, suint pH, cohtent of non-wool insoluble protein (insoluble nitrogen), water uptake and coefficient of variation of fibre diameter. Average contents of suint and insoluble nitrogen were significantly higher in the susceptible animals from 11 and 10, respectively, of the 14 flocks. Water uptake and suint pH were significantly higher in eight and seven flocks, respectively, while coefficient of variation of fibre diameter and wool yield were each significantly higher in six flocks. Wax to suint ratio could differentiate susceptible and resistant sheep in nine flocks but this is due almost entirely to the effect of suint content. Thus, in any selection program, within a flock there should be little need to estimate wax, as suint on its own should suffice. A rapid method for estimation of suint is now available, which should be useful in the identification of sheep resistant to fleece rot.