Resistance to compression of wool in mixed-aged flocks

Abstract

Estimates of resistance to compression (adjusted for variations of both crimp frequency and fibre diameter) of 1852 wools derived from Corriedale breeding flocks varying in age composition (2-6 years old), where age group was pooled over four sampling years, were examined. Data are presented showing that age group did not influence the slope of the regression line of resistance to compression on crimp frequency and fibre diameter; however, the height of these lines (adjusted to a common value of crimp frequency and fibre diameter) were quite variable among age groups. It can therefore be expected a differential in processing performance of wools from flocks of different age structure. In addition, the non-significant contribution of fibre diameter on predictions of resistance to compression was confirmed.