[Jacob-list] Re: Fleece growth

[Jacobflock at aol.com]

In a message dated 2/24/2004 12:58:25 PM Central Standard Time, Jacobflock 
writes:

> In a message dated 2/22/2004 12:52:36 PM Central Standard Time, 
> buffgeese at yahoo.com writes:
> 
> >> I would presume that people further north do have heavier fleeces off 
>> their animals than we do in NC.  Remember these sheep lamb out, spend the 
>> summertime, and fall in 80-95 degree weather most of the months (between March 
>> and October) of the year.  We have had an exceptionally cold spring here, and 
>> had no days that I know of up to 60 degrees.  Usually, we have 70-75 days 
>> more often than not mid-Jan on.....
> 
> The warmer temperate climates actually tend to produce longer fleeces than 
> the cooler climates.  Wool is a protein which requires energy to produce.  
> Energy is first directed to sustaining life and body temperature; the excess 
> goes to .... wool.  Thus warmer climates tend to produce more wool than cold 
> climates.  Sheep don't grow wool length to keep warm like we put on layers of 
> clothes to keep warm.
> 
> Wool length, fleece weight and quality, though rather highly heritable, is 
> very dependent on environmental factors such as nutrition and management.  For 
> example, fiber diameter on grass pasture cab be 20% finer than alfalfa; 
> crimp can also be affected.  Sheared length of fiber may be a function of 
> "shearer" and "shearee".  Having said that, reminds me that shearing is a stress 
> event and internal body temperature may drop by a one or two degrees for 24 
> hours following shearing.  
> Be aware of stress induced problems during shearing ... immune responses may 
> be weakened at shearing time.
> 
> Fred Horak
> 
> 

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