5—Investigation of Fleece Rot Discolouration in Greasy Wool

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Abstract
The incidence of fleece rot and its association with wool characters of commercial importance were studied within five flocks of Merino and Merino Corriedale crossbred sheep, totalling 897 animals, on a grazing property in north western New South Wales. Greasy fleece weight and staple length together with quality number wool colour, character and handle were examined for their possible association with fleece rot. Greasy wool colour showed a highly significant correlation (ranging from 0.35 to 0.70) in all four flocks examined in detail. A score made up of all six fleece characters was only slightly more effective than colour alone as a guide to susceptibility to fleece rot. The fifth flock had too low an incidence of fleece rot to consider further analysis, although it was important in emphasizing the marked decline in incidence as flock age advanced. Quality number and staple length showed small significant correlations in some flocks. Quantitative wool wax and suint determinations within a badly affected flock were neither related to wool colour nor offered any explanation of the fleece rot-wool colour association.

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