[Jacob-list] Color & Fleece

[Jacobflock at aol.com]

Fred here.

I have been looking for some insight into this question when it came up on 
the list in 1998; reference was graying and fading.  My reading and some 
correspondence is leading toward the following:  The amount of eumelanin (the 
pigment makes a Jacob black) is a function of fiber diameter.  The amount of 
pigment in a follicle can be changed by sun and diet.

The support or rejection of this may be found in fleece micron counts from 
Jacobs that have not "faded" over the years.  Fleece samples from the black 
and white areas of several aged ewes and rams with known pedigrees would be 
invaluable.  

Does anyone have an insight into who might have "non-faders", 4-8 years old, 
rams and ewes, with pedigrees, and could take a side sample for Yocum McColl. 
 A sample of 10-20 would be a good starting place.  Any help on this, I am 
willing to help pay for the tests.

Fred