Efficacy of sheep coats for part of the year in Western Australian Merino flocks

Abstract

A total of 6 flocks were used to determine the potential of sheep coats for use during the dry and dusty period prior to shearing (4 flocks) or for 12 months (2 flocks) of the year to improve wool quality. Coats significantly (P<0.05) reduced wool dust content, suint content and vegetable matter contamination leading to improved wool yields. There were no significant differences (P<0.05) between wool outcomes for sheep coated for the dry and dusty period of the year prior to shearing or 12 months of the year. Fibre diameter, staple length, staple strength, clean fleece weight, wool brightness, wool yellowness, wax content and value of fleeces were not significantly (P>0.05) changed by the use of coats. Use of coats improved (P<0.05) yield of wool tops from greasy wool, but did not significantly (P>0.05) alter the other parameters of wool top measured. The margin gained from improved wool quality and shorter periods of coat usage is likely to make sheep coats viable for a wider range of wool types than has been previously considered for coating.