Sheep - AgRIS

weakened and hence reduced in value. If the condition of health is seriously affected, the fibers
may be so severely weakened that the sheep will lose the entire fleece. This loss occurs a few
weeks after the onset of the sickness. Most feeds fed in reasonable amounts do not adversely
affect growth or soundness of the fibers. Any feeds fed so as to disturb the health will result in
weakened fibers. Ewes nursing lambs, especially if on dry feed, do not grow as strong wool as
at other times.
12.3.6 Luster, Colour and Elasticity
The more lustrous and shining the wool, the whiter its colour; and the more elastic the
wool, the more it is prized, because it produces smooth and shining yarn and cloth, and can be
dyed better.
The analysis of fabrics is beyond the abilities and knowledge of most consumers. In order
to protect the textile quality of the fabric the law now requires- that fabrics be labeled with the
kind of fibers which they contain. Wool which has not previously been used is designated as
new or virgin wool; that which has been previously used may be designated as re-used or
reworked wool. If other fibers are used with the wool, the fabric labeling act requires that they
be designated also. While there has been some opposition to this law, it has been beneficial to
both growers and consurners. The act does not prohibit the use of any fibers which the
manufacturers may want to use, but it does require that the fiber content of the material be
given. Styles and the need for economy have great effect upon the types of fabrics made as a
result of the demands of consumers. The very highest grades of re-used wool may be as good or
even better than very poorly grown low grade new wool. For the most part, virgin wool is
superior, and fabrics made from the best grades of such wool are the most expensive and
serviceable.
Foreign wool and foreign-made goods are sometimes spoken of as vastly superior to those
of domestic origin. Environment and breeding have effects upon wool, but it has never been
proved that all foreign wool is better than much of the domestic wool. The best foreign wool
may be better than the best domestic wool, but at least a part of the expressed superiority is
fancied. There are differences in the way the wool is prepared for market and in the shrinkages,
but the differences in the actual fibers are not as evident as is often implied. Some ofthe wool,
especially that from Australia and New zealand, when of a certain fineness, may be superior in
length, softness, and uniformity of fineness, but little if any is superior to domestic wool in
color and strength. It is unlikely that wools from other countries are better than similar wool
grown by good producers in this country. Workmanship in manufacturing is a matter apart from
the wool fiber's inherent characteristics.
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