Relationships between pasture availability, wool profile and staple strength in various sheep grazing environments

Title
Relationships between pasture availability, wool profile and staple strength in various sheep grazing environments
Publication Date
2009
Author(s)
Geenty, Kennett
Whelan, Michael Barry
Smith, A J
Editor
Editor(s): Pierre Cronjé and Nerida Richards
Type of document
Conference Publication
Language
en
Entity Type
Publication
Publisher
University of New England
Place of publication
Armidale, Australia
UNE publication id
une:5291
Abstract
Information on variation in fibre diameter during the wool growing season derived using optical fibre diameter analysis (OFDA2000) can be used to predict wool staple strength. Information on fibre diameter can also be used to initiate nutritional management strategies for preventing wool tenderness and the associated price reduction. However, OFDA2000 measurements involve costs associated with the collection of mid-side wool samples and laboratory analyses. In addition, the information is retrospective, as results are usually obtained too late for feeding and management interventions. We investigated the use of real-time pasture availability data obtained using satellite imaging to predict fibre diameter profile and staple strength. Correlations between pasture availability and changes in fibre diameter were strong, but varied between environments. In general, the rate of reduction in pasture availability was moderately correlated with the reduction in fibre diameter; on average it accounted for 28% of the variation in fibre diameter, and in some environments it accounted for up to 75% of the variation in fibre diameter. The decrease in pasture availability was positively correlated with staple strength and accounted for 26% of the variation in staple strength. The use of satellite-derived pasture availability estimates in feeding strategies designed to prevent wool tenderness is discussed, as is the potential of satellite data for predicting regional staple strength changes.
Link
Citation
Recent Advances in Animal Nutrition - Australia, v.17, p. 161-166
ISSN
0819-4823
Start page
161
End page
166

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