Managing staple length in fine-wool sheep using shearing interval

Anecdotal evidence, confirmed by an analysis of six years wool sales data, indicates that selection to reduce fibre diameter and maintain, or increase, fleece weight, has led to an increase in the quantity and staple strength of fleeces produced. Long staples attract a price penalty. However, a comparison of 9- vs. 12-monthly shearing indicated that reducing the shearing interval to 9 months did not lead to any significant improvement in gross margins. An analysis of the effects of age and growth period on the repeatability of staple length indicated that sheep with the potential for long staple lengths could be allocated to appropriate management groups at 9 or 12 months-of-age.