THE EFFECTS OF BREED AND CERTAIN ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS ON WOOL TRAITS OF RANGE SHEEP

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Abstract
Effects of breed and certain environmental factors on seven wool traits were studied in Rambouillet, Romnelet, Canadian Corriedale, and Romeldale sheep. This study included 766 fleeces of 338 mature ewes sheared during 1953 to 1956 and fleeces of 251 yearling ewes sheared during 1954 to 1957.Breed and year effects were the most important sources of variation. Rambouillet yearlings and mature ewes produced more raw wool than Romnelets and Romeldales (P < 0.01), and mature Rambouillets produced more clean wool than Canadian Corriedales, Romnelets, and Romeldales (P < 0.01). Romnelet yearling and mature ewes had a longer staple than Rambouillets (P < 0.01). Rambouillet yearlings and mature ewes produced the finest and most uniform fleeces with the lowest percentage yield.Age of dam had no effect on the wool traits of yearling ewes. Singles and twins or triplets raised singly produced more raw and clean wool than twins (P < 0.01). Dry ewes produced more wool than ewes with lambs (P < 0.01). Wool traits of ewes raising singles did not differ from those of ewes raising twins.