Maximising the benefits from on-farm fibre measurement

Abstract

A simulation study of the economic returns from on-farm fibre measurement over the period 1998-2003 showed that substantial benefits were available to Merino wool growers with flocks of fine- and medium-wool. The key benefit was selection among replacement ewes, although objective clip preparation also delivered benefits in most years. An individual animal identification system was not a prerequisite for capturing benefits provided use was made of real time selection methods and decision support software. However, an identification system was found to add value by allowing for additional information such as fleece weight in the selection process, and by opening up the possible re-use of previous information for management options, such as allocation of animals for grazing, mating and sheep coats.