Potential of different sheep breeds to improve wool production on UK hill and upland sheep farms

Abstract

Ninety-four sets of data on wool characteristics and mature live weight of more than 50 sheep breeds and crosses were studied to examine the potential for increased financial returns from wool on hill and upland farms in the UK. Within each of the four main breed groups (Australian Merino, European Merino, UK breeds and Australian Merino-UK breed crosses), annual clean wool weight per unit metabolic live weight was positively related to mean fibre diameter, indicating a negative relationship between wool quantity and quality. However, each breed group had different productivity characteristics, with the Australian Merinos having a high annual production (135–230 g/kg BW 0.75) of 19–27 μm diameter wool. British breeds grew only 30–130 g/kg BW 0.75 of 25–46 μm wool. Crosses between these two groups were intermediate in wool quality and quantity. European Merinos grew 55–135 g/kg BW 0.75 of 20–34 μm wool. Although wool prices are subject to large variations, the general relationship between price and quality is such that at fibre diameters greater than 20–22 μ, increased financial returns are achieved through increased fleece weight, whereas at fibre diameters of less than 20–22 μm increased returns stem from improved quality. The data suggest that crossing the finest of Australian and British breeds, i.e., the Saxon or Tasmanian fine-wool Merino and Shetland, could significantly increase financial returns from wool on UK hill and upland farms. This is supported by preliminary results from wool samples taken from such crossbred sheep.