A new project aims to enhance British sheep farming and wool industries by improving fleece quality.
The year-long research project named 'Fabulous Fibre' focuses on wool and exploring opportunities to enhance its value through breeding and genetics.
The project aims to assess the potential of decreasing the micron count in finer wool quality UK sheep breeds, as wool quality is determined by testing wool fibres for their micron value.
A lower micron value translates to a higher value per kg, as lower micron wool provides a softer feeling to touch.
Fabulous Fibre is a collaborative effort involving organisations such as the National Sheep Association (NSA), British Wool and the Centre for Excellence in Livestock (CIEL).
NSA chief executive, Phil Stocker, highlighted the project's significance: “If farmers can differentiate wool based on micron, they can produce consistent lines for sale, commanding price-premiums or genetically improve wool quality.
"Wool traits are highly heritable so genetic gain can be fast once protocols for measurement and genetic evaluation are in place.
“This project supports UK sheep farmers, nature and wider society by focusing on production of premium quality."
Currently, there is a lack of data on individual animal micron levels and with no objective on-farm measurement tools in the UK.
The existing testing focuses on collected lots from multiple farms, lacking routine testing for individual sheep or farms, leading to highly variable diameter lots and reduced prices.
Chief executive of British Wool, Andrew Hogley, expressed excitement about the project: “When you look at the wool currently produced in the UK there is very little that falls into the lower micron categories.
"Where it does, we are able to command a significant premium (Bluefaced Leicester wool trades at prices above those for comparable Australian wools).
"If we can produce lower micron wool in the UK it should command a significant premium and will also potentially open up new product opportunities for British wool.”
The initial focus of the project is on one specific breed located on a single farm.
However, efforts are underway to secure funding for a three-year project.
Sheep farmer Frank Langrish will present his flock as the starting point for the research.
Frank concluded: A lower micron value increases the uses of wool and moves it from carpets and interior textiles to clothing and fashion items, greatly increasing the uses and value.
"My aim for the project is to reduce micron and variation in the fibre diameter to produce a premium product yet still have a functional sheep that produces both meat and wool from forage.”
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