Hill country sheep production

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Abstract
Data from 5635 straightbred Romney and 1st-, 2nd-, and 3rd-cross Border Leicester .times. Romney ewes grazed at the Whatawhata Hill Country Research Station [Hamilton, New Zealand] from 1959-1967 were used to study the effects of flock, ewe age, and fertility status on fleece weight, staple length, and 5 subjectively assessed fleece characteristics. Fleece weight increased from the Romney (3.54 kg) to the 1st-cross (3.72 kg) and then declined in the 2nd- and 3rd-cross (3.54 kg) Border Leicester .times. Romney ewes. Staple length also increased from Romney (14.7 cm) to 1st-cross (15.8 cm) and declined with interbreeding to 3rd-cross ewes (15.6 cm). Interbreeding of the crossbreds resulted in a lower wool quality number, more cotting, and staple unsoundness, but this was not reflected in price received per unit weight. Fleece weights increased with lower-quality numbers within flocks, and declined with increased cotting and severity of staple unsoundness. Ewes rearing twins had a lower fleece weight (3.39 kg) than those rearing singles (3.46 kg) or that were dry (3.66 kg), and the fleece were also more susceptible to cotting and staple unsoundness, and were of poorer character.

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