‘The Wool Project’ or Fleece Fibre Analysis (by Art of Fibre). Report by Kevin Moody
The purpose of the project is gain you participation to ascertain data from the fleece in our flocks. This is aimed to provide that information to the flock owner and view the breed standard for the breed. In order to have the analysis completed, a small sample of fleece is sent to the laboratory for testing.
The fellowship is prepared to fund up to five samples per flock. Ewes equate to one sample, Ram’s equate to two samples due to the variance in beard and body wool – see how to take a sample later in the Hemlin.
The Fellowship would then be able to share with the members of the Fellowship the information provided by Art of Fibre from those flocks having taken part. It is deemed that flock owners taking part fully agree to share that information with the wider membership.
The information would for instance, include a breed average staple length which could be compared to previously available data, &/or data acquired in the future from further testing?
There are quite a few questions that arise from a project of this scale, which I will try to answer below, if there are any further questions you can contact me on my email address listed at the back of the Hemlin
How many flocks are needed to take part, as a minimum?
We have approximately 95 flocks in the UK mainland and lets not forget the populations that are on North Ronaldsay. There is no minimum, however the more flocks that support the project the better the sample data we gain for our breed.
How many samples from each sheep/flock?
We recommend five samples per flock from either ewes or rams, you are naturally free to chose which. However remember the number of samples link to the gender, (Ewes equate to one sample, Ram’s equate to two samples due to the variance in beard and body wool)
Should samples be taken from only those female sheep of a certain age group, and which have not been ill/pregnant?
There is no age limit or criteria for sheep that have lambed or been ill. Aim to take samples from stock that best represent your North Ronaldsay flock.
When is the best time in the year to take samples?
At shearing time when sheep are gathered or alternatively when it suits you if prior. Naturally when the wool is at its best and fully formed to gain the best view of samples. We are however looking to send off collated samples by August 15th. So make sure you send them prior.
Who should the samples be sent initially to a (yet to be designated) member of Council who can then send them on to the lab as a ‘job-lot’ ?
Please send the samples to myself, Kevin Moody at the address listed on the ‘ How to take a sample’ page. I will collate and send them across to the Art of fibre labs in Holland for processing on your behalf.
Do I need to pay for the samples to be tested?
The NRSF has allocated a specific amount of funding to cover testing fro our breed.
Naturally funds are not unlimited . We have agreed preferential terms with Art of Fibre to try and maximise the samples and data we gain back as a Fellowship. The testing will be carried out up to the number of samples we have budgeted and inclusion of samples will be on a first come first served basis as received via post.
We do initially think we can cover the needs of the whole membership based on other projects raised by other breeds, but will have to monitor this as we progress.
Once processed you will get a copy of your sample results sent to you and the wider results will be collated for NRSF for the breed.
How do I send the sample for testing?
Art of fibre recommend that you send each sample in a paper bag or envelop or a plastic bag (unsealed)
It is recommended that you add the following details to the sample (either written on the paper bag or a label on plastic bag)
Your Name / Flock number & Name/ Animal Tag (UKXXXXXX/XXXX) / Gender (if
Male note Beard / Body)
Once you have your five samples, (or less) place the five samples in the post to myself :
Kevin Moody c/o NRSF, Kirklea, Gellfield Lane, Uppermill, Oldham, Lancashire, OL3 6LJ
northronaldsaysheepfellowship.com 