The Australian Merino is the most important genetic resource for the wool and the lamb and sheep meat industries of Australia. In this paper estimated genetic parameters for ultrasound scan and wool traits at yearling and hogget age are presented for Merino sheep. Results indicate that it is possible to breed Merino sheep that perform well for both ultrasound scan and wool characteristics when ...

Effects on wool growth rate of abomasal supplements of several amino acids (glycine, glutamic acid, arginine, lysine, and threonine) and of some sulphurcontaining compounds (L-cysteamine, sulphuric acid, and methionine hydroxy analogue) were examined. None of the abomasal supplements, apart from methionine hydroxy analogue, was effective for stimulating wool growth. Methionine hydroxy analogue ...

A hydrosulphide solution (3% Na2S, 0.5% NaOH, 2% wetting agent) when misted-onto the skin of the sheep causes a frank break in the wool at the skin surface. Wool from this treated area can be manually removed 30 60 sec. later. The sheep handling device, mister, and ancillary equipment for wool handling have been developed to enable the technique to be used on commercial properties. The practica...

Novel composites between cellulose (CEL) and keratin (KER) from three different sources (wool, hair and chicken feather) were successfully synthesized in a simple one-step process in which butylmethylimidazolium chloride (BMIm+Cl−), an ionic liquid, was used as the sole solvent. The method is green and recyclable because [BMIm+Cl−] used was recovered for reuse. Spectroscopy (FTIR, XRD) and imag...

OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to investigate the ability of two organic dusts, wool and grain, and their soluble leachates to stimulate secretion of tumour necrosis factor (TNF) by rat alveolar macrophages with special reference to the role of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). METHODS Rat alveolar macrophages were isolated by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and treated in vitro with whole dust, dus...

In this study, a functional colorant, Berberine, extracted from Berberis vulgaris wood was applied onto wool fiber using the extract of roots of Rumex Hymenosepolus as biomordant. The effect of treatment variables on the color strength of dyed fibers was examined. The fastness properties of dyed wool against washing, light, dry and wet rubbing were evaluated. Dyed samples were tested for an...

• Polluted indoor air can lead to discomfort, reduced efficiency and even ill health amongst employees and residents in modern buildings. • Wool carpet has been shown to rapidly neutralize formaldehyde, nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide, common contaminants in today's indoor environment. • Not only does wool neutralize these contaminants more quickly and completely than synthetic carpet fibe...

Staple strength (SS) and coefficient of variation of fibre diameter (FDCV) were measured on full length staples from 12 months of wool growth, and wool staples cut to 80 or 60 % of their full length from the tip. The results show that SS and FDCV for the different staple length treatments are heritable but lower for staples 60% or shorter than their full length. SS and FDCV measured on wool sta...