Journal articles on the topic 'Hogget fibre'

Tasmanian Merinos and Polwarths were mated in each of 2 years to produce 2 drops of Merino, Polwarth, and F1 reciprocal cross progeny. Polwarths had weaning weights similar to Merinos but were 14% heavier as hoggets. Polwarths grew a similar amount of wool of 11% greater (P<0.001) fibre diameter; however, wool production was 9% less efficient based on metabolic weight. Polwarths displayed an advantage in resistance to footrot. There was a marked Polwarth maternal effect of about 16% on weaning weight but no elfect on hogget weight. The Polwarth maternal effect on fleece weight and efficiency was 9% (P<0.001). In a comparison with a single-born male, ewes weighed 5% less at weaning and 7% less at hogget shearing and produced about 6% less wool (P<0.001), although of comparable fibre diameter. Twins weighed 17% less at weaning, but only 3% less at hogget shearing (P<0.001). They grew about 5% less wool, which was of 2% greater fibre diameter (P<0.001) and 5% higher wool score, but efficiency was 2.5% lower. Production was generally lower (except for yield and wool score) in the 1988 drop than the 1987 drop by 3-10%. Differences in productivity between ram sources were of only slightly lesser magnitude than differences between breeds. The number of feet affected by footrot was reduced by 17% in the 1988 drop. Severe footrot affecting more than 1 foot reduced liveweight but did not significantly reduce fleece weight. There appeared to be some heterosis for weaning weight (10%) and hogget weight (6%), but little heterosis in wool growth (2-3%) or efficiency (-2%).

(Co)variance estimates for hogget liveweight, greasy fleece weight, clean fleece weight, clean yield, fibre diameter, and the coefficient of variation of fibre diameter were obtained for a Western Australian Merino resource flock. The flock encompassed 16 medium wool bloodlines and data were available for the period 1982–93. Direct additive genetic variances (h2) — expressed as a ratio of the total phenotypic variance within bloodlines — were estimated at 0.52 for hogget liveweight, 0.44 for greasy fleece weight, 0.42 for clean fleece weight, 0.63 for clean yield, 0.71 for fibre diameter, and 0.62 for coefficient of variation of fibre diameter. Maternal genetic variance estimates were significant (P < 0.05) only in hogget liveweight and fibre diameter, but components within bloodlines were low (0.05 for liveweight and 0.02 for fibre diameter). Direct within-bloodline genetic correlations of hogget liveweight as well as greasy and clean fleece weight with fibre diameter were positive (0.17, 0.31, and 0.31, respectively), suggesting that selection for bigger and heavier cutting sheep would generally lead to a broader fibre diameter. Liveweight was unrelated to clean yield and negatively related to coefficient of variation of fibre diameter (–0.17). Greasy fleece weight was negatively related to clean yield (–0.20). The genetic correlation of clean fleece weight with clean yield was positive (0.37). Wool quantity was, in general, positively related to coefficient of variation of fibre diameter, although the estimated genetic correlations were low (0.12 for greasy fleece weight and 0.07 for clean fleece weight). The genetic correlation between fibre diameter and coefficient of variation of fibre diameter was negative, and fairly low (–0.10). These results are discussed with reference to sheep breeding.

Australia's prime lamb industry is based on systematic three way crossbreeding. This paper examines various genetic effects on wool production, important determinants of profitability of the meat-sheep enterprise. Data from three purebred (Merino, Corriedale and Dorset Horn), six F1 and the six three-way cross lines were analysed. Direct genetic effects were important for all traits analysed. Maternal effects were generally not important. Individual heterosis was large for clean fleece weight (13%) and hogget weight (10%) and important also for fibre diameter (2%). Maternal heterosis averaged 3% for clean fleece weight, -2% for fibre diameter, and 1% for hogget weight (5% rams; -3% ewes). These results support the hypothesis that the action of individual heterosis through increased nutrient demand results in increased mature weights. Also, the effect of maternal heterosis is to increase nutrient supply resulting in increased rates of maturation.

A profit equation was developed for Australian Corriedale and Polwarth dual-purpose sheep kept for both wool and lamb production. Ten traits contribute to income and costs and were included in the breeding objective. These encompass wool production, fibre diameter, and feed intake of breeding ewes and hogget ewe replacements; sale weight and carcass fat depth of lambs; and reproductive rate and mature weight of ewes. The relative economic value for each trait in the enterprise was calculated from the profit equation using income and costs for 1 year. Overall gain ($A) and gain in each trait in the breeding objective from selection using an index of hogget greasy fleece weight, hogget fibre diameter, dam's number of lambs weaned, lamb weight, and lamb fat depth are reported. The sensitivity of the genetic changes in each trait in the breeding objective and index coefficients were assessed for a range of prices of products and feed costs. Sensitivity to changes in heritabilities and genetic correlations was also assessed. The incorporation of these maternal traits into LAMBPLAN is discussed. For the standard parameters and prices used, gain in leanness accounted for one-third of overall gain ($/ewe. s.d. of selection). Other traits that contributed to overall gain were fibre diameter (28%), reproduction (18%), and growth (14%). There was a small gain through feed intake (8%), and a very small loss in wool weight. Measures of fatness, growth, and fibre diameter were the important traits in the selection index. Inclusion of hogget greasy fleece weight and dam's number of lambs weaned each added <1% to the efficiency of the selection index. Varying the sale price for lamb and the price differentials for fibre diameter and fat depth had the greatest impact on overall gain. High lamb price increased gains in both reproduction and lamb weight, whereas, high price differentials for fibre diameter and fat mainly increased gains in the particular trait. A large range in prices for wool had very little effect on the individual traits or overall. Changing feed costs had little effect on overall gain, although high feed cost reduced gains from reproduction which were compensated by reduced feed intake. Halving the heritability value for each trait reduced overall gain, largely through reduction in the trait. Varying the genetic correlations of wool production with other traits had little effect. However, when genetic correlations of reproduction with weight, fat, and fibre diameter were varied there were changes in overall gain, largely through reproduction.

Genetic changes for clean fleece weight, fibre diameter and hogget body weight were determined in the Katanning Merino Resource flocks from 1982 to 2004. From 1982 to 1992 genetic trends are presented for individual studs that used mainly subjective classing selection methods (Phase 1) and the genetic trends from 1997 to 2004 demonstrate the genetic changes that can be achieved from using estimated breeding values calculated from best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) mixed methodology (Phase 2). The results during the first phase show that very few genetic changes occurred in most studs, except for the 4 studs of the Performance Sheep Breeding strain which showed genetic increases in hogget body weight. The genetic trends show that some studs generated change towards their breeding objective, while others show no changes or changes in the opposite direction. In contrast, the use of BLUP estimated breeding values resulted in positive changes in clean fleece weight, fibre diameter and body weight in accordance with the defined breeding objectives.

This paper reports the relationships between isolated pigmented fibres in hogget Merino fleeces, the levels of pigmented fibres in processed wool from these fleeces, and changes in various types of visible pigmentation in young sheep. The sheep sampled were hogget Merinos classed within paternal groups on the basis of indicators of isolated pigmented wool fibres in the fleece, forming 17 batches of fleeces processed to top (combed sliver). There was a strong correlation (r > 0.95) between the counts of pigmented fibres from measurement of the raw wool and the top. The concentration of pigmented fibres in top was at least equal to that found in the raw wool grid sample. Most of the pigmented fibres removed from the tops were assessed as having the potential to cause problems in wool processing. Sheep with pigmented leg fibres had greater amounts of other types of visible pigmentation than sheep without pigmented leg fibres, at 1 or more stages from birth to 18 months. There were also differences in agerelated changes in pigmentation associated with presence or absence of pigmented leg fibres. Presence of pigmented leg fibres was the best indicator of isolated pigmented wool fibres in the fleece and processed top; however, this positive relationship was evident only in progeny of sires with a high degree of expression of leg fibre pigmentation. In this sample of sheep, which were crutched to remove urine stain, classing based on leg fibre pigmentation alone was sufficient to keep the levels of pigmented fibres below the often-quoted upper limit of 100 dark fibres/kg for tops used for products in which dark fibres affect acceptability. Other types of pigmentation were also associated but provided little additional indication of isolated pigmented fibres in the fleece. Pigmented leg fibres will be readily discernible at crutching and shearing.

The effect of maintenance v, submaintenance diets of pregnant ewes in 1991 and 1992 on establishment of the wool follicle population in their progeny, and its effect on the progeny's wool production (quantity, quality and variation across the body of the animal) to 1.4 years of age was examined. The experimental protocol used cloned animals created by bisecting embryos at day 6 of pregnancy. Each clone was placed in a ewe, which was subsequently fed from about day 50 to 140 of pregnancy at maintenance or submaintenance. Ewes on maintenance nutrition maintained liveweight throughout pregnancy, while submaintenance ewes were 12.1 kg lighter (P<0.001) 10 days before lambing. In 1991, a total of 74 lambs were born, including 17 sets of surviving clones. In 1992, 102 lambs were born, including 18 sets of surviving clones. Only data for the 35 sets of genetically identical 'twin' progeny and their dams are reported. Birth weights of lambs born to ewes fed at the submaintenance rate were 0.5 kg lighter (P<0.01) than their 'twins' born to ewes fed at maintenance. Midside secondary:primary (Sf: Pf) ratios for mature wool follicles were less (P<0.01) at birth, lamb and hogget shearing (1.4, 1.5 and 2.1 units respectively) for the progeny born to ewes fed at submaintenance. Progeny from ewes on the submaintenance treatment produced less clean wool, 0.1 kg to 0.4 years of age (P<0.01) and 0.14 kg between 0.4 and 1.4 years of age (P = 0.10), than their maintenance counterparts. Hogget wool was 0.1 pm broader (P<0.05), with a 0.5% units lower coefficient of variation of fibre diameter (P<0.01), and a position of break closer to the staple tip (P<0.001) for progeny of submaintenance ewes than their maintenance counterparts. There were no significant differences in yield, staple length, staple strength and percentage of fibres greater than 30 pm in diameter. Differences in mean fibre diameter arose between 1 and 1.4 years of age, coinciding with the period that the animals were grazing high quality pasture. Effects of maternal undernutrition on mean fibre diameter and Sf: Pf follicle ratios of progeny were most pronounced on the hind leg (P<0.01), and not significant on the front leg. However, variations in other wool quality traits across the body of the hoggets, expressed as a percentage of the midside value, were not significantly affected by maternal undernutrition. Clearly when evaluating management strategies for the pregnant ewe, the effect on lifetime production and quality of wool of their progeny needs to be considered. Merino hoggets that produce an extra 0.14 kg clean wool that is 0.1 pm finer will compensate for some extra management and feeding of their dams during pregnancy to prevent weight loss. If these effects continue throughout the life of the animal, then it will increase the cost effectiveness of feeding to maintain maternal weight over pregnancy.

Summary. The effects of controlled grazing through spring on the production of young (age 1 year; liveweight 38.3 ± 0.09 kg; condition score 3.0 ± 0.03) and mature (age 3 years; liveweight 61.9 ± 0.36 kg; condition score 3.1 ± 0.04) Merino wethers was examined. The grazing treatments involved adjusting sheep numbers to maintain green feed on offer near target amounts of 800, 1200, 1600, 2000, 2400 and 2800 kg dry matter/ha. Liveweight and wool growth measurements were made on 8 sheep per plot, with additional animals added or removed as necessary to maintain pasture near the target feed on offer. Changes in wool-free liveweight were linear between days 0 and 42 (period 1), and days 42 and 111 (period 2) for both classes of sheep grazing low feed on offer treatments. Hoggets lost less liveweight than mature animals while grazing low feed on offer during period 1 and gained liveweight faster (P<0.05) than mature animals for any feed on offer during period 2. Curvilinear relationships existed between feed on offer and clean wool growth rate and fibre diameter, with feed on offer accounting for 65 and 81% of the variations in wool growth rate, and 65 and 73% of the variations in fibre diameter, for hogget and mature sheep respectively. There was no significant difference in wool growth rate between animal classes. Annual clean wool production, fibre diameter and staple length increased linearly (P<0.05) with increasing feed on offer. Staple strength was higher (P<0.05) in mature sheep compared with hoggets, but was greater than 30 N/ktex for both classes of sheep irrespective of feed on offer. These results indicate that intensive grazing in spring to predetermined feed on offer is a useful tactic for manipulation of wool growth and fibre diameter, but factors other than feed on offer also contribute to liveweight change and wool growth.

Mean fibre diameter measurements from yearling to 5-year-old Australian fine- and medium-wool Merino sheep were analysed using several multivariate models that varied in covariance structure. A pre-structured multivariate model was found to be the most parsimonious model in comparison with the other models fitted such as banded, autoregressive and random regression. In the preferred model, the ages of mean fibre diameter for fine-wool data were genetically partitioned into yearling, 2 years, 3 years and later ages and for medium-wool data into hogget, 2 years and later ages. The estimates of genetic correlations between mean fibre diameter measured at different ages for medium-wool sheep were higher (0.89–1.00) than those for fine-wool Merino (0.75–1.00).

Wool from lines of Romney sheep selected for improved or reduced staple tenacity was examined to determine if the difference in staple tenacity was explained by a difference in fibre tenacity. A random sample of ewe hogget wools (n = 32) was chosen from each of the 2 selection lines. Fibre tenacity was measured by breaking 10 fibres from each wool sample using an Instron to measure peak force, and then a fluorescence microscope attached to an image analyser to measure cross-sectional area of the fracture surface. Staple tenacity was measured on 5 staples per sample, by placing each staple in a Staplebreaker set to 40 mm between clamps, and the peak force to break the staple was recorded. Prior to clamping, each staple was adjusted so that the thinnest point measured 1.5 mm2 in cross-section and this point was positioned 20 mm from each clamp. Although the difference in staple tenacity between these 2 groups was highly significant (P = 0.002)) there was no difference in the tenacity of individual fibres (P = 0.903). Staple tenacity was not significantly correlated with fibre tenacity (r = 0.090). Similarly, there was no significant correlation between work to break the staple and either work (r = 0.118) or peak force (r = 0.195) to break the fibre. It is proposed that other components of staple tenacity, such as the profile of cross-sectional area along the fibre and the variability of crimped fibre length within the staple, may be more important determinants of staple tenacity in these selection lines.

Data from a Western Australian experimental flock of Merino sheep were used to estimate genetic and phenotypic parameters for clean fleece weight (CFW), greasy fleece weight (GFW), average fibre diameter (FD), and clean yield (Y) from hogget fleeces as well as liveweights at birth (BWT), weaning (3WT), 8-9 months (8WT), 11-12 months (11WT) and 14-15 months (14WT) of age. The estimates were derived for male and female hoggets using restricted maximum likelihood REML. Simple models were fitted in which most environmental effects were omitted for comparison with results from models containing all recorded significant environmental effects. There were no significant differences amongst heritability estimates between models or sexes. Genetic correlations were calculated between sexes for each trait, with none being significantly different to unity. Ranges of heritability estimates across models and sexes were: GFW, 0.30-0-42; CFW, 0.26-0.44; Y, 0.46-0.59; FD, 0.47-0.59; BWT, 0.16-0.33; 3WT, 0.32-0.39; 8WT, 0.22-0.36; llWT, 0-27-0.44; 14WT, 0.27-0.50. Estimates of genetic and phenotypic correlations were in reasonable agreement with other literature values. As with the heritability estimates, the model fitted did not result in important differences in either genetic or phenotypic correlations.

Midside wool samples can be measured for predictive colour (PC colour, acetone extract colour after incubation), incubated colour (IYZ colour, yellowness reflectance of wool after incubation; IY colour, brightness), average fibre diameter (FD), FD variability (FDCV, coefficient of variation; FDSD, standard deviation), potassium (K) content of water extract, and pH of water extract. These characteristics were assessed for their potential as indirect selection criteria for fleece rot (FR) resistance on midside wool samples from 2095 Merino hoggets representing the progeny from 84 sires in 7 sire evaluation schemes. Indirect selection can be superior to direct selection, in terms of increasing FR resistance, when FR incidence is low. The indirect traits with the highest phenotypic correlations with hogget FR liability, calculated from a 2-category (incidence) model, were clean fleece weight (CFW), FDCV, and FD. Based on combined estimates of the heritability of the indirect trait and its genetic correlation with FR score (0-5), the traits that showed the highest relative potential (RP, the estimated gain from selecting on the indirect trait relative to the gain from direct selection at the same selection intensity) were FD, pH, FDSD, and CFW. The RP value, however, takes no account of the responses in other economic traits or the costs of selection. As FR score increased, there was a linear increase in mean CFW and FDCV and a decrease in FD. Changes in other trait means with FR score followed inconsistent pat terns. By calculating selection indices, it was shown that the use of indirect criteria in ram selection increased the response in breeding objective in a self-replacing flock by $0.01-0 15/ ewe lifetime. year (based on selecting 5% of hogget rams/year). These increases were restricted by the undesirable correlations of FR score with the main economic traits, i.e. sheep with high CFW and low FD were predicted to breed sheep more susceptible to FR. Selection programs based on CFW, FD, FDSD, and FDCV with or without FR score were the most economic single-stage selection options studied. There was a lower but positive estimated net financial benefit, after 10 years of selection, when all ram hoggets were measured for CFW, FD, FDSD, FDCV, and IYZ colour and assessed for FR score in a single-stage selection program. As expected, 2-stage selection was more cost-effective than single-stage selection. The most economic 2-stage option studied was to measure CFW, FD, FDSD, and FDCV and assess FR score on all hoggets at stage 1 then measure the best 7-10% (on Index) for IYZ colour. The best 5% of all hoggets were then selected at stage 2 for joining on the basis of an index that included CFW, FD, FDSD, FDCV, HFS, and IYZ colour.

A 6 year study is reported of Merino studs and strains (Peppin, Collinsville and Bungaree) in Western Australia. Wool and body traits of males and females were measured, with additional subjective traits assessed on females. The effects of strain, stud (within strain), birth year, dam age, birth rearing rank, weaning age and their interactions were estimated using least squares procedures. When tested against studs, strain differences were significant for fibre diameter (both sexes), clean wool yield and about half of the subjective traits (females) but for none of the liveweights. Stud and year effects were significant for all traits, as was their interaction for most traits. Some studs were more stable between years than others in both clean fleece weight and average fibre diameter. Of the remaining effects, birth rearing rank influenced the greatest number of traits, while dam age only affected yield in ewes and some early liveweights. Peppins produced wool 2.0-2.3 microns finer than Bungarees, but not significantly different from Collinsvilles. Peppins also had the best subjective wool scores, but had the highest wrinkle scores and scored poorly on other subjective body traits. Twin-born hoggets produced 0.05-0.15 kg less clean wool than their single-born contemporaries, and their fleeces were about 0.4 microns coarser with poorer subjective qualities. Twins were also lighter from birth (by 23%) up to 17 months (by 5%) in females. Late-born lambs had higher birth weights, but lower subsequent weights, persisting until 12 months in females.

ABSTRACTThe effect of the high fecundity Booroola Merino gene (F) on wool production and live weight of Booroola x South Australian Merino rams classified as being offspring of FF, F+ or ++ Booroola sires was investigated. The characters studied were: greasy fleece weight in lambs, hogget (approx. 15 months old) greasy fleece weight and the associated scouring yield, clean fleece weight, fibre diameter, staple length and wool style; birth weight and live weight gains from birth to weaning in September (3 months of age), from September to the following March, and from March to September. There were no significant differences among sire genotypes in the characters studied. The results suggest that the F gene had no undesirable pleiotropic effects on wool and live-weight traits.

Heritability estimates (h2) for weight of lamb weaned and number of lambs weaned totalled over 3 reproduction opportunities were estimated in a multi-bloodline Western Australian medium wool resource flock. These traits were defined to give an indication of lifetime lamb production (the ewes were retained in the breeding flock for a maximum of 4 lambing opportunities). Both reproduction traits were highly variable, as suggested by coefficients of variation of approximately 50%. The between-bloodline variance ratio was significant (P < 0.05), but failed to exceed 5% of the total across-bloodline phenotypic variation. Within-bloodline h2 ( s.e.) was estimated at 0.154 0.040 for total weight of lamb weaned, and at 0.141 0.040 for total number of lambs weaned. Within-bloodline genetic correlations of both traits with hogget liveweight were positive and significant (P < 0.05; 0.58 0.11 and 0.26 0.13, respectively). Within-bloodline genetic correlations of the reproduction traits with wool production were generally positive, being 0.26 0.11 for the correlation between total weight of lamb weaned and clean fleece weight, and 0.29 0.15 for the correlation between total number of lambs weaned and clean fleece weight. Clean yield was genetically unrelated to both measures of reproductivity. The genetic correlation of total weight of lamb weaned per breeding ewe with fibre diameter was positive in sign, but smaller than twice its standard error (0.17 0.10). The corresponding estimate for total number of lambs weaned was 0.16 0.12. It was concluded that the reproduction traits investigated would respond to selection in Western Australian Merinos if it should form part of a breeding strategy. Genetic correlations with hogget liveweight and wool traits were generally favourable.

The heritability of and phenotypic and genetic correlations among weaning weight (WW). greasy fleece weight (GFW), scouring yield (YLD), clean fleece weight (CFW), fibre diameter (FD), crimps per inch (CR) and staple length (SL) were estimated in a flock consisting of a control and 2 selection lines of South Australian Merino sheep. The effects of type of rearing, age of dam and sex were also examined. Estimates were compared with those currently in use in WOOLPLAN (National Performance Recording Scheme for non-pedigreed sheep) and in other studies. In general, agreement between the present study and other estimates was good, but there were some exceptions, namely: (i) standard deviation of GFW and FD; (ii) 'adjustment factors' for day of birth, type of rearing and age of dam for GFW, CFW and liveweight traits; (iii) heritability of YLD; (iv) phenotypic correlations of GFW and CFW with FD, and between YLD and CFW and (v) genetic correlations of WW with GFW, CFW and FD. It is concluded that special attention should be given to these exceptions in order to decide whether alterations to current 'accepted' parameter values are justified.

Performance of sheep from a large Corriedale stud flock was assessed. Weaning and yearling liveweights, greasy and clean fleece weights, clean fleece yield and average fibre diameter records on approximately 3000 animals representing 64 sires were analysed. Also scrotal circumference of 1009 rams representing 27 sires were analysed. Some 3740 reproduction records over 11 years, for 980 ewes representing 114 sires, were also analysed. Heritability estimates were 0 34 �0.07 for weaning liveweight, 0.132 � 0.04 for yearling liveweight, 0.32 � 0.07 for greasy and 0.29 � 0.07 for clean fleece weights, 0.534 � 0 10 for clean fleece yield, 0-56 � 0 10 for yearling and 0 62 � 0 - 14 for hogget fibre diameters and 0.l5 � 0.11 for scrotal circumference. The genetic correlations between liveweight and fleece weight ranged from 0.13 to 0.34, and those for liveweight and fibre diameter were close to zero. The genetic correlations of scrotal circumference with liveweight and wool traits were positive and moderate. Reproductive performance in the flock was high, with fertility 92% and litter size 1.62, resulting in 148% lambs born and 130% lambs tagged alive of ewes joined. Estimated heritabilities for reproduction traits were 0-03 � 0.02 for lambs born and for lambs tagged, and the component traits, fertility 0 01 � 0 -02, litter size 0.04 � 0.03 and neonatal lamb survival was zero. Lambing date had a heritability of 0.06 � 0.03. Estimates of repeatability ranged from 0-04 � 0-01 for fertility to 0.07% 0.02 for lambs tagged and lambing date. Predicted heritabilities for the average of 3.8 records per ewe generally agreed with those estimated for average ewe lifetime performance, which ranged from 0.02 � 0.08 for fertility to 0.12 � 0.09 for lambs tagged and 0.l3 � 0.09 for lambing date.

Fibre diameter can vary dramatically along a wool staple, especially in the Mediterranean environment of southern Australia with its dry summers and abundance of green feed in spring. Other research results have shown a very low phenotypic correlation between fibre diameter grown between seasons. Many breeders use short staples to measure fibre diameter for breeding purposes and also to promote animals for sale. The effectiveness of this practice is determined by the relative response to selection by measuring fibre traits on a full 12 months wool staple as compared to measuring them only on part of a staple. If a high genetic correlation exists between the part record and the full record, then using part records may be acceptable to identify genetically superior animals. No information is available on the effectiveness of part records. This paper investigated whether wool growth and fibre diameter traits of Merino wool grown at different times of the year in a Mediterranean environment, are genetically the same trait, respectively. The work was carried out on about 7 dyebanded wool sections/animal.year, on ewes from weaning to hogget age, in the Katanning Merino resource flocks over 6 years. Relative clean wool growth of the different sections had very low heritability estimates of less than 0.10, and they were phenotypically and genetically poorly correlated with 6 or 12 months wool growth. This indicates that part record measurement of clean wool growth of these sections will be ineffective as indirect selection criteria to improve wool growth genetically. Staple length growth as measured by the length between dyebands, would be more effective with heritability estimates of between 0.20 and 0.30. However, these measurements were shown to have a low genetic correlation with wool grown for 12 months which implies that these staple length measurements would only be half as efficient as the wool weight for 6 or 12 months to improve total clean wool weight. Heritability estimates of fibre diameter, coefficient of variation of fibre diameter and fibre curvature were relatively high and were genetically and phenotypically highly correlated across sections. High positive phenotypic and genetic correlations were also found between fibre diameter, coefficient of variation of fibre diameter and fibre curvature of the different sections and similar measurements for wool grown over 6 or 12 months. Coefficient of variation of fibre diameter of the sections also had a moderate negative phenotypic and genetic correlation with staple strength of wool staples grown over 6 months indicating that coefficient of variation of fibre diameter of any section would be as good an indirect selection criterion to improve stable strength as coefficient of variation of fibre diameter for wool grown over 6 or 12 months. The results indicate that fibre diameter, coefficient of variation of fibre diameter and fibre curvature of wool grown over short periods of time have virtually the same heritability as that of wool grown over 12 months, and that the genetic correlation between fibre diameter, coefficient of variation of fibre diameter and fibre curvature on part and on full records is very high (rg >0.85). This indicates that fibre diameter, coefficient of variation of fibre diameter and fibre curvature on part records can be used as selection criteria to improve these traits. However, part records of greasy and clean wool growth would be much less efficient than fleece weight for wool grown over 6 or 12 months because of the low heritability of part records and the low genetic correlation between these traits on part records and on wool grown for 12 months.

The study estimated heritability for lamb growth and carcass performance, hogget ewe wool production, and worm egg count among crossbred progeny of maternal breed sires, as well as the genetic and phenotypic correlations among the traits. The data were from crossbred progeny of 91 sires from maternal breeds including Border Leicester, East Friesian, Finnsheep, Coopworth, White Suffolk, Corriedale, and Booroola Leicester. The sires were mated to Merino ewes at 3 sites over 3 years (and also Corriedale ewes at one site), with 3 common sires used at each site and year to provide genetic links. These sheep comprised part of the national maternal sire central progeny test program (MCPT) to evaluate the genetic variation for economically important production traits in progeny of maternal and dual-purpose (meat and wool) sires and the scope for genetic improvement. The matings resulted in 7846 first-cross lambs born, with 2964 wether lambs slaughtered at an average age of 214 days, and wool data from 2795 hogget ewes. Data were analysed using univariate mixed models containing fixed effects for site, year, sex and type of birth and rearing, dam source and sire breed, and random terms for sire and dam effects. Heritabilities and genetic correlations were estimated based on variances from progeny of 70 sires by fitting the same mixed models using a REML procedure in univariate and multivariate analyses. Estimates of heritability were low for lamb growth traits (0.07–0.29), meat colour and meat pH (0.10–0.23), and faecal worm egg count (0.10), moderate for carcass fat and muscle traits (0.32–0.47), and moderate to high for wool traits (0.36–0.55). Estimates of direct genetic correlations among liveweights at various ages were high and positive (0.41–0.77) and those between liveweights and most carcass and meat quality traits were small and varied in sign. Liveweights were moderately to highly positively correlated with most wool traits, except fibre diameter (–0.28–0.08). The study indicates that there is genetic variation for wool, growth, carcass, and meat quality traits, as well as for faecal worm egg count, with scope for selection within Australian maternal sire breeds of sheep.

Components of the fleece and wool quality traits were measured or assessed on Merino hogget ewes in an unselected multiple-bloodline flock over a 7-year period at Trangie Agricultural Research Centre, N.S.W. The traits recorded were face cover score (FC), leg cover score (LC), neck fold score (NF), body fold score (BF), wax content (W), suint content (S), vegetable matter content (VM), dust penetration (D), follicle density (N) and follicle ratio (RA). Genetic differences within and between flocks of Merino sheep were examined for the traits, and estimates of heritability and within-flock genetic and phenotypic correlations and between-flock genetic correlations among the traits were obtained. Genetic and phenotypic correlations were also estimated between these traits and the major wool production traits: greasy fleece weight (GFW), clean fleece weight (CFW), fibre diameter (FD), body weight (BWT) and staple length (SL). Significant strain. flock within strain and flock effects were wresent for all traits. The influence of environmental effects (birth-rearing type, age at measurement and age of dam) on the traits was estimated, with the birth-rearing type being significant and the largest effect for most traits. Paternal half-sib heritability estimates were 0.44� 0.06 for FC, 0.35� 0.06 for LC, 0.24�0.05 for NF, 0.23�0.05 for BF, 0.38�0.07 for W, 0.42�0.07 for S, 0.06�0.04 for VM, 0.22�0.06 for D, 0.20� 0.07 for N and 0.21�0.07 for RA. Estimates of within-flock phenotypic and genetic correlations were in broad agreement with available published estimates. The implications of the results for Merino breeding programs are discussed.

Wool production traits were measured on Merino hogget ewes in an unselected multiple-bloodline flock over a 7-year period at Trangie Agricultural Research Centre, N.S.W. The traits measured were greasy fleece weight (GFW), skirted fleece weight (SKFW), yield (Y), clean fleece weight (CFW), fibre diameter (FD), body weight (BWT) and staple length (SL). These measurements were used to examine genetic differences between and within flocks of Merino sheep, and to estimate heritability of and genetic and phenotypic correlations among these traits. Significant strain, flock within strain and flock effects were present for all traits. Interactions between these effects and year were non-significant. Within-flock genetic variance was always larger than between-flock within strain genetic variance for each trait. The influence of environmental effects on these traits was also examined. The environmental effects of birth-rearing type, age at observation and age of dam together accounted for about 7-10% of the total within-flock variation in fleece weights and body weight.After adjusting for significant environmental effects, paternal half-sib heritability estimates were 0.29 �. 0.06 for GFW, 0.22 � 0.05 for SKFW, 0.35 � 0.05 for Y, 0.30 �0.06 for CFW, 0.48 �0.07 for FD, 0.34 �. 0.06 for BWT and 0.44 �0.07 for SL. Estimates for genetic and phenotypic correlations were in agreement with published estimates except for the genetic correlation between CFW and FD (0.40 �. 0.11), and the genetic correlations involving BWT, which were essentially zero. The implications of the results of this study for the genetic improvement of Merino sheep for wool production are discussed.

Precise estimates of genetic parameters are required for genetic evaluation systems. This study combined data from 7 research resource flocks across Australia to estimate variance components and genetic parameters for production traits in the Australian Merino sheep. The flocks were maintained for several generations and represented contemporary Australian Merino fine, medium, and broad wool bloodlines over the past 30 years. Over 110 000 records were available for analysis for each of the major wool traits, and 50 000 records for reproduction and growth traits with over 2700 sires and 25 000 dams. A linear mixed animal model was used to analyse 6 wool traits comprising clean fleece weight (CFW), greasy fleece weight (GFW), fibre diameter (FD), yield (YLD), coefficient of variation of fibre diameter (CVFD), and standard deviation of fibre diameter (SDFD), 4 growth traits comprising birth weight (BWT), weaning weight (WWT), yearling weight (YWT), and hogget weight (HWT), and 4 reproduction traits comprising fertility (FER), litter size (LS), lambs born per ewe joined (LB/EJ), and lambs weaned per ewe joined (LW/EJ). The range of direct heritability estimates for the wool traits was 0.42 ± 0.01 for CFW to 0.68 ± 0.01 for FD. For growth traits the range was 0.18 ± 0.01 for BWT to 0.38 ± 0.01 for HWT, and for reproduction traits 0.045 ± 0.01 for FER to 0.074 ± 0.01 for LS. Significant maternal effects were found for wool and growth, but not reproduction traits. There was significant covariance between direct and maternal genetic effects for all wool and growth traits except for YWT. The correlations between direct and maternal effects ranged from –0.60 ± 0.02 for GFW to –0.21 ± 0.10 for SDFD in the wool traits and from –0.21 ± 0.03 for WWT to 0.25 ± 0.08 for HWT in the growth traits. Litter effects were significant for all wool and growth traits and only for LS in reproduction traits. The mating sire was fitted in the models for reproduction traits and this variance component accounted for 21, 17, and 8% of the total phenotypic variation for FER, LB/EJ, and LW/EJ, respectively. The implications of additional significant variance components for the estimation of heritability are discussed.

The incidence of medullation in 549 Corriedale hoggets from two experimental flocks, its association with other characteristics of the fleece, and the sire effect were evaluated. The investigation was carried out during 2005–06 in hoggets from the Faculty of Agriculture and Faculty of Veterinary Science experimental flocks. Fleeces were weighed and samples were taken at shearing by picking 104 staples from fleeces to measure medullation. A mid-side wool sample was taken to determine wool characteristics (fleece weight, wool yield, mean fibre diameter, staple strength and length). A Dark Fibre Detector was used to identify total medullated fibres and fibre type: medullated fibres (med) and kemp, which were confirmed by light microscope. Mean total medullated fibres, med and kemp content per 10 g of clean wool were 4.2 ± 11.2; 2.0 ± 8.9 and 2.3 ± 4.9, and median values were 0.9, 0.0 and 0.7, respectively, in 549 fleeces. A high variability between samples and a higher proportion of hoggets with kemp fibres than those with med were observed. There were significant differences between sire families for total medullated fibre content/10 g, med fibre content/10 g and kemp fibre content/10 g, but there were no significant effects between flocks, years or interaction between them. Phenotypic correlations between medullated fibre content and wool characteristics were generally low (less than 0.19). In conclusion, medullated fibre content was highly variable between samples and was not strongly correlated with other fleece characteristics. Medullation varied between sire groups, suggesting genetic variation, which could be exploited to improve wool quality.

The study evaluated post-weaning growth, carcass characteristics, and wool production of crossbred progeny of 91 sires from more than 7 maternal breeds (including Border Leicester, East Friesian, Finnsheep, Coopworth, White Suffolk, Corriedale, and Booroola Leicester). The sires were joined to Merino and Corriedale ewes at 3 sites over 3 years with 3 link sires in common at each site and year. Post-weaning weight at an average age of 200 days of 2841 ewes and 3027 wethers was analysed using mixed model procedures. The wethers were slaughtered at an average age of 214 days and carcass weight, fat, muscle, meat colour, and ultimate pH (24 h post-slaughter) were analysed. For ewes, hogget fleece weight, yield, fibre diameter, and faecal worm egg count (FEC) were analysed. Sire breed was significant (P < 0.01), with a range of 32.8–39.0 kg for post-weaning weight, 19.1–22.8 kg for hot carcass weight, and for carcass fat levels (11.1–17.2 mm at the GR site (FatGR) and 3.4–6.5 mm at the C site, adjusted to 22 kg carcass weight), with the East Friesian cross carcasses being very lean (FatGR 11.1 mm). Sire breed was significant for eye muscle area (P < 0.01) but not for eye muscle depth, meat colour L* (brightness), or ultimate pH. Sire breed was significant (P < 0.01) for greasy and clean fleece weight (CFW), yield, and fibre diameter (FD), with ranges of 0.9 kg (CFW) and 4.6 μm (FD). Sire breed was not significant for FEC. Type of birth and rearing classification was significant for most traits. National estimated breeding values for the sires that were entered by industry breeders indicated that they covered a range of genetic merit for most traits within their respective breeds and were generally representative of the maternal genetics available in the industry. Where there were large differences between the sire mean and breed mean breeding values the effects on crossbred progeny performance would be small and not expected to affect our conclusions about the breed differences reported. The results provide lamb producers with comparative information on sire breeds for growth, carcass and wool traits. The considerable variation among individual sires within the respective breeds will be reported in later papers.

Properties of fleeces and individual fibres were measured on 57 fine and 51 broad wool Merino hoggets, offered 1 of 3 supplementary feeding treatments, in an attempt to relate properties of individual fibres to staple strength. The fine wool hoggets (16·2 µm) grew wool of staple strength higher (2·5–4·3 N/ktex depending on feeding treatment) than that of the broad wool hoggets (20·1 µm). While there was no difference in the intrinsic fibre strength between the genotypes, the variation in diameter along fibres was 24% (P < 0·05) greater in the broad wool sheep. The broad wool sheep also grew fibres which were 50% stronger (P < 0·05) but 15% less extensible than the fine wool sheep. Staple strength increased (P < 0·05) from 8·6 to 24·9 N/ktex as supplementary feeding during summer–autumn was increased, for both genotypes. Increases in staple strength due to feeding were associated with a 3·3-µm increase in the minimum diameter along fibres (P < 0·05) and a 11·3-mN increase in fibre strength (P < 0·05). A multiple regression which included the coefficient of variation in diameter along fibres, and the extensibility of fibres, accounted for 62% of the variation in staple strength between sheep. The results enhance our understanding of the mechanisms which affect staple strength.

Accurate estimates of adjustment factors for systematic environmental effects are required for genetic evaluation systems. This study combined data from 7 research resource flocks across Australia to estimate genetic parameters and investigate the significance of various environmental factors for production traits in Australian Merino sheep. The flocks were maintained for several generations and represented contemporary Australian Merino fine, medium, and broad wool bloodlines over the past 30 years. Over 110 000 records were available for analysis for each of the major wool traits, with over 2700 sires and 25 000 dams. Univariate linear mixed animal models were used to analyse 6 wool, 4 growth, and 4 reproduction traits. This first paper outlines the data structure and the non-genetic effects of age of the animal, age of dam, birth-rearing type, sex, flock, bloodline, and year, which were significant with few exceptions for all production traits. Age of dam was not significant for reproduction traits and fleece yield. Generally, wool, growth, and reproduction traits need to be adjusted for age, birth-rearing type, and age of dam before the estimation of breeding values for pragmatic and operational reasons. Adjustment for animal age in wool traits needs to be applied for clean fleece weight (CFW), greasy fleece weight (GFW), and fibre diameter (FD) with inclusion of 2 age groups (2 years old and >2 years old), but for reproduction traits, inclusion of all age groups is more appropriate. For GFW, CFW, and hogget weight (HWT), adjustment for only 2 dam age groups of maiden and mature ewes seems sufficient, whereas for birth (BWT), weaning (WWT), and yearling (YWT) weights, adjustments need to be applied for all dam age groups. Adjustment for birth-rearing type (single-single, multiple-single, multiple-multiple) is appropriate for wool, growth, and reproduction traits. The implications of adjustment for non-genetic effects are discussed.

The histogram of wool fibre diameters obtained by processing fleece samples through the Fibre Fineness Distribution Analyser (FFDA) machine is modelled as a mixture of two normal distributions fitted on the log scale (model iv). The paper compares this model with a single normal distribution on the natural scale (model i), a single normal distribution on the log scale (model ii) and a mixture of two normal distributions on the natural scale (model iii). When fitted to 2544 fibre diameter histograms from Merino hoggets, these models gave average lack-of-fits, distributed as �225, of 549.6, 190.1, 93.5 and 39.5 for models i to iv respectively. Model iv is proposed as the basis for describing the FFDA fibre diameter histogram in sheep breeding.

Pregnancy shearing of mature ewes has been shown to influence lamb birthweight and sometimes lamb survival to weaning and wool follicle characteristics. However, the effects of shearing hoggets in mid- or late-pregnancy under New Zealand’s pastoral conditions have not been examined. This study was designed to determine the effects of mid- and late-pregnancy shearing on lambs born to Romney hoggets. Single-bearing hoggets were either shorn at average day 79 of pregnancy (n = 74), at average day 119 (n = 80), or left unshorn (n = 76) while their twin-bearing counterparts were either shorn at average day 79 of pregnancy (n = 18) or left unshorn (n = 12). Mid-pregnancy shearing was found to increase the birthweights of singles (by 0.32 kg, P < 0.05) in comparison with unshorn ewes; however, this relationship was not observed in twins. Neither mid- nor late-pregnancy shearing affected lamb survival to weaning. Singles born to late-pregnancy shorn ewes had whiter wool (P < 0.05) in comparison with lambs born to unshorn dams. Dam treatment had no other effects on follicle or wool characteristics. The results of this study indicate that mid-pregnancy shearing of hoggets can be used as a technique to increase birthweight in single lambs but not twin-born lambs. Pregnancy shearing had no effect on lamb survival rates to weaning, whereas shearing in late-pregnancy had minor effects on wool colour that would be unlikely to affect wool value in Romneys. Shearing in mid-pregnancy had no effect on either progeny follicle or wool characteristics.

SummaryPashmina, internationally known as “cashmere”, a fine luxury fibre, is being produced from Changthangi goats bred in the Ladakh region of India. The Leh district of Greater Ladakh produces around 30 000 kg of pashmina fibre which is harvested from about 0.15 million Changthangi goats reared by the Changpa nomads in Changthang region of Greater Ladakh. Changthangi goats are sometimes also called Changra goats. Pashmina producing goats are of great importance for revitalising the economy of the poverty stricken region of Changthang and the Leh district of Ladakh. The information on Changthangi goats was collected from both small and large-scale farmers in Ladakh, and 337 animals were included in the study.The body colour of Changthangi goats varies from white to light brown and nearly whole body is covered with pashmina and long hairs. The average birth weights of male and female kids were estimated as 2.11 ± 0.3 and 2.06 ± 0.2 kg, respectively while weight at 300 days was found to be 20.0 ± 2.1 and 18.7 ± 1.9 kg in male and females respectively.The pashmina yields of bucks, does, male hoggets and female hoggets were estimated as 402 ± 19 g, 248 ± 14 g, 255 ± 12 and 280 ± 16 g, respectively. The length of pashmina fibre was found to be 4.25 ± 1.2 cm in males and 4.02 ± 1.5 cm in females while fibre diameter in male and female goats was estimated as 12.9 ± 2.6 μ and 13.0 ± 3.0 μ, respectively.The twining rate was found to be very low, nearly 0.3%. A preliminary study at DNA level with PCR-RFLP indicated monomorphism at the growth hormone gene. The occurrence of disease was quite low although some genetic deformities in this breed were not uncommon.

Weather damage of wool in grazing sheep has long been recognised by the wool industry as a problem, resulting in fibre damage, fibre loss and poor dyeing performance. Merino wool from 3538 ewe and ram hoggets was used to estimate the heritability of Methylene Blue absorption. Methylene Blue absorption has a high heritability of 0.44 ± 0.04 and was strongly genetically correlated with suint index (0.88 ± 0.02) and wool moisture index (0.92 ± 0.03). Methylene Blue absorption was moderately genetically, negatively correlated with measures of clean wool colour and yield and positively with dust penetration. There was no significant correlation between Methylene Blue absorption and dust content or economically important measures of fleece value such as fibre diameter, curvature and staple strength. The strong genetic relationship between Methylene Blue absorption and suint index indicates that Methylene Blue absorption is a very good indirect measure of greasy wool suint content but may not be a satisfactory indicator trait to select for low weather damage.

Optimising and ensuring the reproducibility of wool dyeing is of significant economic importance to the wool industry. Midside wool from 1824 Merino ewe and ram hoggets was used to estimate the heritability of Acid Red 1 dye absorption in clean wool. Acid Red 1 absorption had a high heritability of 0.45 ± 0.07 and was phenotypically poorly correlated with fibre diameter (–0.11 ± 0.03), the coefficient of variation of fibre diameter (0.05 ± 0.03), curvature (–0.05 ± 0.03), staple strength (–0.02 ± 0.02) and staple length (–0.09 ± 0.03), yield (0.08 ± 0.03) and dust penetration (0.07 ± 0.03). It was not genetically correlated with fibre diameter (–0.05 ± 0.09), the coefficient of variation of fibre diameter (0.02 ± 0.09), curvature (–0.09 ± 0.09), staple strength (–0.07 ± 0.10) or staple length (–0.03 ± 0.08), but weakly genetically correlated with yield (0.18 ± 0.08) and dust penetration (0.24 ± 0.12). Dye absorption was also genetically negatively correlated with wool felting as measured by feltball diameter (–0.26 ± 0.09). Acid Red 1 absorption was not genetically correlated with absorption of the cationic dye Methylene Blue. We suggest that there is a biological basis for differences between wools in dyeing performance and that this variation will depend on the class of dye being evaluated for wool dyeing.

<p>Enzyme activities and fibre properties in four muscles from Svalbard reindeer, collected during the summer, have been compared with corresponding muscles during the winter. In two muscles, gluteobiceps and semimembranosus, oxidative capacity is higher in winter than in summer; in the other two muscles, semitendinosus and longissimus dorsi, there is no difference with time of the year. The capacity to oxidize fatty acids is low in winter compared with summer, especially in semitendinosus and longissimus. These changes are similar in both sexes. Histochemical studies of the three main fibre types, I (BetaR), HA (&deg;cR) and IIB (aW), from the four muscles show that in male reindeers the muscle fibres are narrower at the end of the winter season than during the summer. The decrease of muscle tissue amounts to about one third of the total volume (33%), of which I accounts for 5%, IIA for 2% and IIB for 26%. The results indicate that the Svalbard reindeer use lean tissue in general, and IIB fibres in particular, in order to survive the hostile arctic winter period at Svalbard.</p><p>Histokemiska och enzymatiska skillnader i skelettmuskel fr&aring;n Svalbardren mellan sommar och vinter.</p><p>Abstract in Swedish / Sammandrag: Enzymaktiviteter och fiberegenskaper i fyra av Svalbardrenens muskler, insamlade under sommaren, har j&aring;mforts med motsvarande muskler insamlade under vintern. I tv&aring; muskler, gluteobiceps och semimembranosus, &aring;r oxidativa kapaciteten hogre under vintern an under sommaren; i de andra tv&aring; musklerna, semitendinosus och longissimus dorsi, foreligger ingen skillnad i detta avseende. Kapaciteten att oxidera fettsyror &aring;r l&aring;g under vintern j&aring;mfort med sommaren, speciellt i semitendinosus och longissimus. Inga konsskillnader foreligger i dessa avseenden. Histokemiska studier av de tre huvudtyperna av muskelfibrer, fiR (I), ocR (IIA) och (IIB), fr&aring;n de fyra musklerna visar att hos handjuren &aring;r fibrerna tunnare vid slutet av vinters&aring;songen j&aring;mfort med sommaren. Denna minskning i muskelv&aring;vnad uppg&aring;r till en tredjedel av totala volymen (33%). Harav svarar ftR for 5%, ^R tor 2% och for 26%. Resultaten antyder att Svalbardrenen anv&aring;nder muskelv&aring;vnad, speciellt QcW fibrer, for att overleva undri den h&aring;rda arktiska vinterperioden p&aring; Svalbard.</p>

Phenological periods can affect the growth of forage, the single food source for grazing animals, and its nutrition and the stage of growth of the animals can affect the rumen microbiota. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of phenological periods (regreen vs. grassy) and growing stages (hoggets (1.5 years old) vs. rams (3 years old)) on rumen bacteria communities and functions in Alpine Merion sheep. The result showed that the Alpha diversity indices of ACE (p < 0.001), Chao (p < 0.001), and Shannon (p < 0.001) were higher in the regreen stage. At the phylum level, the abundances of Bacteroidetes (p = 0.003) and Firmicutes (p = 0.017) shifted with plant phenology. The abundance of fiber-degrading bacteria altered at the genus level (p < 0.05). Genes related to fatty acid degradation and metabolism increased in both the growing stage sheep (p < 0.05). In the grassy stage, the abundance of vitamin B6 metabolism (p = 0.046) was increased in hoggets. In summary, this study showed that the phenological stage had a significant effect on the rumen bacterial compartment and functions in two growing stages, while the growing stage only tended to change rumen bacterial diversity.

ABSTRACTThe phenotypie associations between scores for various types of non-fleece pigmentation and concentration isolated pigmented wool fibres in the fleece (experiment 1 and 2) or the piebald phenotype (experiment 3) were studied in Corriedale hogget ewes. These sheep were selected on the basis of either degree of nose skin pigmentation (experiment 1), presence or absence of pigmented fibres at the horn sites (experiment 2) and presence or absence of the piebald phenotype (experiment 3). Among affected fleeces the concentration of isolated pigmented fibres (PFC) had high correlations (0·96 and 0·97) with the proportion of staples affected, which indicates that when PFC is high the isolated pigmented fibres are widely distributed throughout the fleece. Three types of non-fleece pigmentation had significant (P < 0·05) positive correlations with PFC in experiments 1 and 2. These were pigmented skin on the nose lips (0·23 and 0·18; P < 0·05), pigmented fibres at the horn sites (0·34 and 0·30; P < 0·01) and pigmented fibres on the legs (0·36 and 0·29; P < 001). The pigmentation of skin or fibres in non-fleece areas was predominantly black/grey and there were usually significant (P < 0·05) positive correlations between the various types of non-fleece pigmentation. In experiment 3, piebald sheep were found to have higher scores for black/grey fibres on the ears (P < 0·001), face (P < 0·01) and horn sites (P < 0·05) and for black/grey skin under the tail (P < 0·01) than non-piebald sheep.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of Texel × Ile de France female hoggets on pearl millet (Pennisetum americanum (L.) Leeke) pastures fed supplementation with cassava meal or corn gluten. It was used a completely randomized experimental design, with three treatments (feed strategies) and two area replications. Feed strategies consisted of supplementation of the pastures with cassava meal or corn gluten in comparison to exclusive pasture. Supplements were given daily at 9:00 a.m. at quantity of 1% of the body weight (BW). The lambs on corn gluten supplementation presented greater daily weight gain and greater per area weight gain. Use of supplementation did not permit to increase pasture stocking rate, however. In vitro digestibility and chemical composition of the harvested forage was similar (crude protein, neutral detergent fiber) among groups. At the end of the experiment, all feed strategies were efficient in promoting weight greater than 60% of the mature weight, showing that the lambs are able for mating. Body condition score (BCS) of lambs under cassava meal supplementation was 3.0 whereas body composition score of the other lambs was 2.8. Exclusive use of pearl millet can provide dry matter requirement of the lambs.

Indicators of staple thickness, staple weight, staple density, wool weight cm -2, crimp frequency, dust penetration, fibre diameter (mean, variability), birthcoat score, and neck and body wrinkle were evaluated for their suitability as indirect selection criteria against fleece rot and body strike. The fleece traits were assessed in 949 Merino ewe hoggets representing the progeny from 134 sires in 15 contemporarily managed flocks. Fleece rot and body strike were assessed following experimental induction. In decreasing order of importance, variability (s.d.) in fibre diameter, average staple thickness, crimp frequency, variability (c.v.) in fibre diameter, mean fibre diameter, birthcoat score, staple density, variability in staple thickness, staple weight, and neck wrinkle score, accounted for a significant component of the variation in liability of sheep to fleece rot. Body wrinkle, variability (c.v.) in staple thickness, staple length, dust penetration, and wool weight cm-2 were not important. Based on combined estimates of the heritability of the indicator trait and its genetic correlation with fleece rot, variability in fibre diameter (s.d.) and birthcoat score showed the highest potential as indirect selection criteria. Variability in fibre diameter (s.d.) also showed a similar scope for selection against body strike. Indicators of mean staple thickness, crimp frequency, dust penetration and wrinkle score showed little or no scope for indirect selection against fleece rot or body strike. The role of variability in fibre diameter (s.d.) as an indirect selection criterion for fleece rot and body strike in designed breeding programmes which include other important objectives, will need to be further evaluated, given an undesirable genetic correlation with clean fleece weight. High between-flock correlations were observed for a number of fleece traits and susceptibility to fleece rot. Susceptible flocks were characterized by fleeces with longer, heavier, thicker staples with a lower crimp frequency, and higher fibre diameter with a higher variability. Predicting the susceptibility of flocks to fleece rot and body strike, through a between flock index based on the measurement of simple fleece traits, is suggested.

Context For extensive production systems, crossbreeding may be a tool that can be used to achieve production of quality wool and meat to suit market specifications. Aims To evaluate two levels of crossbreeding of Dohne Merino (DM) sires with Corriedale (C) ewes on productive and reproductive traits of the crossbreed progeny in comparison with purebred C progeny. Methods Two studies using three genotypes – 100% C (100C), 50% DM×50% C (50DM) and 75% DM×25% C (75DM) – were carried out. In Study 1, growth, wool production and nematode resistance were evaluated (n= 1652). In wethers, carcass weight, subcutaneous tissue thickness, weight of high value cuts, meat shear force and fresh meat colour were also evaluated. Before first mating, the presence and number of corpus luteum was recorded to evaluate puberty and ovulation rate, respectively, in 380 18-month-old hoggets. In Study 2, fertility, prolificacy and lambing percentages were measured in 382 ewes. Key results Increasing the percentage of DM was associated with heavier animals (P&lt;0.01). The heaviest fleece weight, broadest fibre diameter and longest staple length were recorded in 100C, and the lowest in 75DM (P&lt;0.001). Crossbred animals had heavier carcasses, boneless legs and French racks than 100C (P&lt;0.001). Subcutaneous tissue thickness GR adjusted for carcass weight was thicker in 100C, intermediate in 50DM and lowest in 75DM (P&lt;0.001). Meat quality and nematode resistance traits were not affected by crossbreeding. Genotype affected the proportion of hoggets cyclic at first mating (P&lt;0.05), being greater in 50DM than in C hoggets, although both proportions were similar to 75DM. Fertility was not affected (P&gt;0.05) by genotype, whereas prolificacy and lambing percentage were greater in the animals of the 50DM vs 100C and 75DM (P&lt;0.05). Conclusions Wool quality, animal growth, carcass weight and composition, and onset of puberty were improved by crossbreeding C ewes with DM sires. A reduction in wool production, and minor influences on prolificacy and lambing percentage were detected. Implications Crossbreeding C ewes with DM sires can benefit wool and meat production in comparison with purebred C production systems.

Seasonal wool growth and associated wool characteristics were measured in a Romney line selected for high fleece weight and an unselected control line in 1990 and 1991. Both had a significant (P<0.01) decline in wool growth rate in winter compared with summer. The wool growth rate advantage (P<0.001) of the selected line over the control averaged 19 and 33% for ewes, and 24 and 36% for hoggets, in summer and winter, respectively. Staple strength, yield, and fibre diameter differences were closely associated with wool growth. Colour analysis showed no difference between lines in either brightness (Y) or yellowness (Y - Z). However, both the Y and Z values were lower in spring and summer, while Y - Z was highest in summer. The results suggest that selection for high fleece weight also improves major wool characteristics and reduces the relative winter wool growth decline in Romneys.

Between 1440 and 2084 Merino hoggets were scored for visual traits, with the number of records differing according to the traits. Eight wool traits and seven body traits were subjectively assessed, while four wool traits and five serial liveweights were measured. Heritabilities for all subjective traits were estimated, with sire models using restricted maximum likelihood, as were genetic and phenotypic correlations between subjective and objective traits. Heritability estimates for back wool, lock thickness, wool character, underline, condition, wool colour, hock shape, feet shape, face cover score, neck wrinkle, breech wrinkle and side wrinkle were moderate (0.1 to 0.3), while those for visual fineness and wool handle were high (0.34 and 0.41), and overall score, low (0.06). Correlations between these traits and objective traits having economic value (wool weight, average fibre diameter and liveweight) were low or negligible, indicating that it may be more efficient if classing traits are not used to the exclusion of objectively measured traits. However, under some circumstances, they may have potential for increasing selection efficiency or used as an inexpensive first step in a two-stage selection procedure.

The carcass characteristics, meat quality and specific muscle enzyme activity were studied in 342 Merino wether hoggets representing 7 bloodlines comprising 2 superfine lines, 2 fine wool lines, 2 medium wool lines and 1 broad wool line over 2 years. All animals were supplemented at pasture for 5 weeks before slaughter with high energy pellets. Fat levels in the superfine bloodlines based on total tissue depth over the 12th rib, 110 mm from the midline were much greater than in other lines. This also applied to fat depth measured over the longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LL) muscle for one of the superfine bloodlines when adjusted to the same carcass weight. Differences in LL muscle dimensions were minor, although the broad wool bloodline had a lower depth which translated into a smaller cross-sectional area. Significant differences were detected between bloodlines for muscle pH with superfine animals having the highest values for the LL. The differences for the semitendinosus muscle were less consistent between bloodlines, but of the bloodlines the broad wool line had the lowest pH levels in both muscles. There were few differences between bloodlines for the meat colour parameters measured on the LL. In the second year, muscle samples were taken to determine the activity of fructose 1,6-bis-phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICDH) and the concentration of myoglobin, indicators of anaerobic and aerobic metabolism. Samples from 50 carcasses were selected from a medium wool and a superfine bloodline (2 × 25) based on LL muscle pH values. Of the enzymes, only ICDH activity was different between the 2 bloodlines, with muscle from the medium wool bloodline having a significantly higher activity than muscle from the superfine bloodline. This indicates a greater aerobic capacity in the muscle of the medium wool bloodline. The significantly lower muscle pH for medium wool bloodline was mirrored by a lower glycolytic capacity expressed as the LDH/ICDH ratio with a correlation of 0.46. Thus in this dataset, a high pH is related to a change in energy metabolism as reflected by the aerobic/anaerobic capacity of the muscle and this may be a reflection of a change in fibre type frequency, but this remains to be validated.

AbstractGenetic parameters were estimated for wool quality, fleece characteristics and lamb production traits for Scottish Blackface sheep reared under extensive hill conditions in the UK. In two separate studies, heritabilities and genetic correlations were estimated for wool quality traits measured on lambs at 5 months of age and again on the shorn fleece a year later. The wool traits included birth coat length (BCT), 10-point scores for proportion of grey and kemp fibres present in the fleece (grey, kemp), British Wool Marketing Board (BWMB) recommendation (REC), greasy fleece weight (FLWT), BWMB fleece grade (FLGR), and average staple length (ASL). Genetic and phenotypic correlations were estimated between lamb wool traits and lamb live weights at birth (BWT), marking (at mid lactation with an average age of 7 weeks) (MWT), weaning (at an average age of 17 weeks) (WWT) and slaughter (SLWT), average fat depth (AVFD) and average muscle depth (MD). Individual lamb carcass measurements included Meat and Livestock Commission (MLC) conformation score (CONF) and fat class (FATC). Heritability estimates measured on 2524 or more live lambs were 0·69, 0·52, 0·26, 0·42 and 0·31 for BCT, ASL, grey, kemp and REC respectively. Heritability estimates for traits measured on the shorn fleece a year later for 1415 ewes were 0·37, 0·02, 0·57, 0·43, 0·46 and 0·14 for ASL, grey, kemp, REC, FLWT and FLGR respectively. Genetic correlations between FLWT in hoggets and other wool were positive and moderate to high in magnitude, ranging from 0·22 for kemp in lambs to 0·48 for grey in hoggets. Genetic correlations between REC and live-weight traits were 0·39 for MWT, 0·37 for WWT and 0·44 for SLWT. Genetic correlation between ASL and ultrasonic fat depth was 0·15 and for ASL and ultrasonic muscle depth was -0·30. The results indicate that the simple scoring systems derived to assess these traits are useful indicators of fleece quality, are highly repeatable over time and are a good gauge of likely future wool production. The results indicate that selection for heavier, leaner lambs should not compromise fleece quality, as assessed in this study.

Experimental and modeling studies of the effect of tempetarature on liquid-liquid membrane contactor (LLMC) have been done. The experiments were conducted by varying temperature of 25 up to 80 0C, cross flow velocity from 0.02 to 0.05 m/s and feed concentration of 0, 5000 and 30,000 mg/l. In these experiments microporous hydrophobic hollow fiber polypropylene membrane with 0.2 μm was used as a contacting device. The modeling has been done by compiling mathematic equation of mass and heat transfers in liquid-liquid membrane contactor. Both the experimental and modeling result show, the increase in feed temperature increase the flux of pure water exponentially, whereas the flux decrease with increasing the permeate temperature. The feed temperature increase at higher temperature result in hogher flux increase. The concentration of pure water result in the range of 1.8 to 5.6 mg/l depending on feed concentration.Keywords : membrane contactor, modeling

The potential for adopting a genetic solution to protect sheep from blowfly strike on the breech was investigated in a flock of sheep that contained several animals expressing a trait characterised by low wool coverage over the breech and through a wide channel from the anus to the udder or scrotum. A scoring system (1, bare to 5, woolly) was developed and used to determine the heritability of the trait and its phenotypic and genetic correlations with other traits of importance in a sheep enterprise. In comparison to animals with woolly breeches, the skin in the breech of animals with a low bareness score was characterised by a low density of follicles producing short, medullated fibres, with histological evidence of immune rejection and follicular atrophy. The bareness score of progeny was influenced by the score of their respective sires suggesting a strong genetic component. The heritability of bareness score was moderate to high (h2 = 0.45 ± 0.02, 0.53 ± 0.01 and 0.38 ± 0.02 at lamb, hogget and adult ages, respectively). The lactation status and age of ewes influenced their bareness score, resulting in a low repeatability (0.42) of the trait between ages in females. Genetic correlations between bareness score and most other economically important traits were low. The weight of belly wool and the weight of skirtings was genetically related to bareness score (rg = +0.52 and +0.48 respectively), indicating that animals with barer breeches tend genetically towards lighter belly wool weights and lower weight of skirtings at wool classing. Selection and breeding for bareness score should achieve relatively rapid progress towards fixing the trait in a flock and without adverse effects on other important traits. Caution should be exercised in extrapolating these results to other bloodlines and environments where genetic mechanisms or environmental influences may be different.

Carbon fiber reinforced SiC ceramic matrix composites (Cf/SiC) are promising structural materials for a variety of high-temperature aerospace and energy applications. Since the matrix elements are carbon and silicon, they present low activation after neutron irradiation and therefore are materials of particular interest for fusion energy technology applications. Large Sample Neutron Activation Analysis (LSNAA) was applied to determine the elemental composition of Cf/SiC specimens joined together using a high temperature graphite based adhesive. The neutron irradiations and gamma ray measurements were performed at the BISNIS facility of the Hoger Onderwijs Reactor, TU Delft. The results of this study demonstrate the feasibility of application of LSNAA as a cost-effective method for non-destructive elemental composition analysis of whole ceramic specimens enabling the calculation of induced activity and dose rate after irradiation in different neutron spectra.

A farmlet experiment was conducted between July 2000 and December 2006 as part of the Cicerone Project, which sought to enhance the profitability and sustainability of grazing enterprises on the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales, Australia. A self-replacing Merino enterprise was grazed as the dominant livestock enterprise, together with ~20% of the carrying capacity as cattle, on each of three farmlet treatments: higher levels of soil fertility and pasture renovation with flexible rotational grazing over eight paddocks (farmlet A), moderate soil fertility and pasture renovation with flexible rotational grazing over eight paddocks (farmlet B) and moderate soil fertility and pasture renovation with intensive rotational grazing over 37 paddocks (farmlet C). Prior to commencement of the trial, the three 53-ha farmlets were allocated equivalent areas of land based on soil type, slope and recent fertiliser history. This paper describes the effects of the three pasture and grazing management strategies on the production, quality and value of the wool produced per head, per ha and per farmlet. Up until 2001 there were no differences in wool production between farmlets. Thereafter, significant differences between farmlets emerged in greasy fleece weight per head and price received per kg of fleece wool. For example, the clean fleece value averaged over the 2003–05 shearings for all hoggets, ewes and wethers was 1531, 1584 and 1713 cents/kg for farmlets A, B and C, respectively. There were small but significant differences, which varied between sheep class and year, between the farmlets in average fibre diameter and staple length but less so with staple strength. In general, while the differences between farmlets in staple strength varied over time, farmlets A and B tended to have wool with longer staple length and broader fibre diameter than farmlet C and this affected wool value per kg. Differences in wool income per ha between farmlets grew in later years as the farmlet treatments took effect. In spite of farmlet A having a slightly lower wool value per kg, after taking into account its greater fleece weight per head and its higher stocking rate, the total wool income per ha was higher than on either farmlets B or C. The average gross wool income per ha from 2003 to 2005 was $303, $215 and $180 for farmlets A, B and C, respectively. The highest amount of greasy wool produced was in 2004 when 38.2, 26.5 and 21.5 kg/ha was harvested from farmlets A, B and C, respectively. The fibre diameter profiles of 2-year-old ewes showed similar profiles for farmlets A and B but a significantly finer fibre diameter profile for farmlet C ewes due to intensive rotational grazing. However, sheep on all three farmlets produced wool with high staple strength. Multivariate analyses revealed that greasy fleece weight, staple length and staple strength were significantly positively correlated with the proportion of the farm grazed at any one time, and with soil phosphorus, legume herbage and green digestible herbage thus highlighting the significant influence of pasture and soil inputs and of grazing management on wool production and quality.

The potential for using indicators of greasy wool colour as indirect criteria for selection of sheep genetically resistant to fleece rot and body strike was examined. Nine traits based on the subjective grading of wool samples (1 trait), objective reflectance (6 traits) and colour development during incubation (2 traits) were evaluated for their genetic potential, ease and reliability of measurement, and relationship with other major production characteristics. The colour of wool was assessed in 949 Merino ewe hoggets representing the progeny of 134 sires before the induction of fleece rot. All colour traits were moderately heritable, ranging from 0.25 � 0.13 for subjective colour score to 0.40 � 0.14 (h2�.s.e.) for an objective reflectance index. Based on the combined estimate of the heritability of the indicator trait and its genetic correlation with fleece rot, indices based on the objective measurement of colour reflectance and colour development following incubation showed the highest genetic potential for indirect selection. Objective measurement of colour reflectance also showed a high genetic potential for indirect selection against body strike. Subjective colour assessment prior to the induction of fleece rot showed the lowest potential for indirect selection against both fleece rot and body strike. The cost of objective measurement of colour was less than that of colour development during incubation, and the former was found to be the most reliable indirect selection criterion in this experiment. A consequence of selecting solely for decreased greasy wool colour on other production characters is likely to result in decreased fibre diameter, increased wool yield, with a potentially small decrease in greasy fleece weight. Further evaluation of colour indicators as additional selection criteria should first focus on the likely role of fleece rot and body strike resistance as part of (national) breeding objectives. Only then can the full impact of using colour variables on the overall breeding aggregate be established.

Pashmina goats, normally reared by changpa, a nomadic tribe in Changthang region of Leh Ladakh have been introduced in Kargil District of J&K state under the NAIP Pashmina Project with the objective of expansion of pashmina goat rearing area and enhancing the livelihood security of the farmers in these areas. Fifty one (51) mini farm units of goats, each comprising of 9 does and 1 buck were established in Kargil district (Suru, Bodhkharbu, Drass, Shakar, Chiktan and Khangriyal). The intervention in the form of shelter, feeding and health cover was provided to all the farm units. After two years of rearing, the average survivability and mortality was reported as 84.07± 0.49 (%) and 15.93± 0.49 (%) respectively. The overall kidding percentage was reported as 79.62± 0.77 with kid mortality as 24.92± 0.71(%). The pashmina yield/head was 161.6± 0.31 (gms) with fibre diameter and fibre length of 14.07±0.11 (μ) and 55.99± 0.19 (mm) respectively. The average body weight (kg) of kids, hoggets and adults was reported as 2.63± 0.09, 20.72±0.19 and 28.87± 0.12 respectively. The study revealed that the adaptability and production performance of pashmina goats in some of the areas of Kargil (Non Traditional Belt) which is having similar ecological niche as that of Changthang region (Traditional Belt) is very good in terms of survivability, kidding percentage, pashmina yield etc. Further, by adoption of pashmina goat rearing in these areas, there is an enhancement of livelihood security through sale of pashmina and increase in strength of livestock which is expected to reach worth Rs 250000 after 5 years and an increase in total production area of Pashmina from Ladakh.

ABSTRACTC.A. Hogart defined paper as “a random bonded fibrous network carrying filler material“. A few thoughts related to this definition and pertaining to paper composites are presented.A typical papermaking furnish consists of a blend of cellulosic fibers and fines, inorganic fillers and additives. Composition varies according to end use requirements. The fiber network secures desired mechanical and strength properties, fillers contribute to esthetics and good optics. Filler retention is improved by using retention aids. Strength-loss due to filler, use is compensated for, by applying strength additives.Additives applied at the wet end interact with furnish components. The surface charge, accessible surface area and composition play a role in the interactions. Some typical interactions, involving cationic starch and polyacrylamide, are discussed.

Abstract The Society gratefully acknowledges the time and effort of the following individuals who served as reviewers of abstracts for this meeting: ASH ABSTRACTS COORDINATING REVIEWERS Blanche P. Alter Stephen M. Ansell Ralph B. Arlinghaus Scott Armstrong Asad Bashey Philip Bierman Neil Blumberg Chiara Bonini Dominique Bonnet Jacqueline Boultwood Rena Buckstein John C. Byrd Marc Carrier Lucio H. Castilla Selina Chen-Kiang Nicholas Chiorazzi Jorge Cortes-Franco Claire E. Dearden Mary C. Dinauer Harry Paul Erba Carolyn A. Felix Pierre Fenaux Debra L. Friedman Irene M. Ghobrial Jason R. Gotlib Brandon Hayes-Lattin Cheryl A. Hillery Achille Iolascon Jean-Pierre J. Issa Sundar Jagannath Diane F. Jelinek H. Phillip Koeffler John Koreth Robert J. Kreitman Robert B. Levy David Lillicrap Richard Lottenberg John D. McMannis Mark D. Minden Charles G. Mullighan Arnon Nagler Peter J. Newman Robert Z. Orlowski Antonio Palumbo Julie A. Panepinto Warren S. Pear Sibrand Poppema Barbara Pro Ching-Hon Pui A. Koneti Rao Aaron P. Rapoport Pieter H. Reitsma Douglas D. Ross J. Eric Russell Barbara Savoldo Kirk R. Schultz Radek C. Skoda Marilyn L. Slovak Susan Smyth Hugo ten Cate Herve Tilly John M. Timmerman Ivo Touw Amy J. Wagers Russell E. Ware Catherine J. Wu Virginia M. Zaleskas ASH ABSTRACTS REVIEWERS Camille Abboud Omar Abdel-Wahab Jeremy Abramson Suneet Agarwal Sikander Ailawadhi Onder Alpdogan Andrew Aprikyan Mary Armanios Aneel Ashrani Norio Asou Aglaia Athanassiadou Eyal Attar Mohammad Azam Maria Baer Jorg Baesecke Sarah Ball Karen Ballen Frederic Baron Shannon Bates Minoo Battiwalla Marie Bene Charles Bennett James Berenson Steven Bernstein Francesco Bertoni Monica Bessler Wolfgang Bethge Kapil Bhalla Deepa Bhojwani James Bieker Bruce R. Blazar Annemarie Block David Bodine Catherine Bollard Antonio Bonati Eric Bouhassira Benjamin Braun Christopher Bredeson Patrick Brown Ross Brown Jan Burger Dario Campana Jose Cancelas Paul Carpenter Andrew Carroll James Casella Rebecca Chan Roy Chemaly Benny Chen Jerry Cheng Linzhao Cheng Bruce Cheson Mark Chiang Athar Chishti Hearn Cho Magdalena Chrzanowska-Wodnicka Richard E. Clark Joseph Connors Kenneth Cooke Miguel Cruz Adam Cuker Sandeep Dave Janice Davis Sproul Lucia De Franceschi Philip De Groot Rodney DeKoter Richard Delarue Stephen Devereux Steven Devine Paola Jorge Di Don Diamond Meletios Dimopoulos John DiPersio Angela Dispenzieri Benjamin Djulbegovic Jing-fei Dong James Downing William Drobyski Rafael Duarte Charles Dumontet Kieron Dunleavy Brian Durie Dimitar Efremov Elizabeth Eklund Jonas Emsley Patricia Ernst Andrew Evens Chris Fegan Andrew Feldman Giuliana Ferrari Willem Fibbe Adele Fielding Thoas Fioretos Robert Flaumenhaft Rafael Fonseca James Foran Joseph Frank Janet Franklin Paul Frenette Alan Friedman Terry Fry Saghi Gaffari Naomi Galili Patrick Gallagher Anne Galy David Garcia Randy Gascoyne Cristina Gasparetto Norbert Gattermann Tobias Gedde-Dahl Alan Gewirtz Francis Giles Robert Godal Lucy Godley Ivana Gojo Norbert Gorin Andre Goy Eric Grabowski Steven Grant Timothy Graubert Elizabeth Griffiths H. Leighton Grimes Claudia Haferlach Corinne Haioun Parameswaran Hari Christine Harrison Robert Hasserjian Nyla Heerema Shelly Heimfeld Roland Herzog Elizabeth Hexner Teru Hideshima William H. Hildebrand Gerhard Hildebrandt Devendra Hiwase Karin Hoffmeister Donna Hogge Scott Howard Brian Huntly Hiroto Inaba Baba Inusa Shai Izraeli Suresh Jhanwar Amy Johnson Craig Jordan Joseph Jurcic Nina Kadan-Lottick Lawrence Kaplan Jonathan Kaufman Neil Kay Michelle Kelliher Craig Kessler H. Jean Khoury Allison King Joseph Kiss Issay Kitabayashi Robert Klaassen Christoph Klein Yoshihisa Kodera Alexander Kohlmann Barbara Konkle Michael Kovacs Robert Kralovics Amrita Krishnan Nicolaus Kroger Ashish Kumar Ralf Küppers Jeffery Kutok Ann LaCasce Raymond Lai David Lane Peter Lane Richard Larson Michelle Le Beau Gregoire Le Gal Ollivier Legrand Suzanne Lentzsch John Leonard John Levine Ross Levine Linheng Li Renhao Li Zhenyu Li Wendy Lim Charles Linker Jeffrey Lipton Per Ljungman John Lollar Philip Low David Lucas Selina Luger Leo Luznik Gary Lyman Jaroslaw Maciejewski Elizabeth MacIntyre Nigel Mackman Luca Malcovati Guido Marcucci Tomer Mark Susan Maroney Giovanni Martinelli Peter Maslak Alan Mast Grant McArthur Philip McCarthy Michael McDevitt Peter McLaughlin Bruno Medeiros Jules P.P. Meijerink Junia Melo Thomas Mercher Bradley Messmer Marco Mielcarek Ken Mills Shin Mineishi Arturo Molina Silvia Montoto Marie Joelle Mozziconacci Auayporn Nademanee Vesna Najfeld Eneida Nemecek Ellis Neufeld Peter Newburger Heyu Ni Charlotte Marie Niemeyer Yago Nieto Anne Novak Paul O\'Donnell Vivian Oehler Fritz Offner Johannes Oldenburg Rebecca Olin Richard J. O'Reilly Thomas Ortel Keiya Ozawa Rose Ann Padua Sung-Yun Pai James Palis Derwood Pamphilon Animesh Pardanani Farzana Pashankar Andrea Pellagatti Catherine Pellat-Deceunynck Louis Pelus Chris Pepper Melanie Percy Andrew Perkins Luke Peterson Andrew Pettitt Javier Pinilla-Ibarz Kimmo Porkka David Porter Amy Powers Claude Preudhomme Frederick Racke Margaret Ragni Thomas Raife Alessandro Rambaldi Mariusz Ratajczak Pavan Reddy Mary Relling Tannishtha Reya Lisa Rimsza Stefano Rivella Isabelle Riviere Pamela Robey Gail Roboz Aldo Roccaro Maria Alma Rodriguez Frank Rosenbauer Laura Rosinol Alan Rosmarin Giuseppe Saglio Jonathan Said Valeria Santini Ravindra Sarode Yogenthiran Saunthararajah Bipin Savani Alan Schechter Charles Schiffer Robert Schlossman Laurie Sehn Rita Selby Orhan Sezer Sadhna Shankar John Shaughnessy Jordan Shavit Kevin Sheehan Shalini Shenoy Colin Sieff Paul Simmons Seema Singhal Sonali Smith Gerard Socie Pieter Sonneveld Simona Soverini David Spaner Steven Spitalnik Kostas Stamatopoulos David Steensma Richard Stone Toshio Suda Perumal Thiagarajan Courtney Thornburg Rodger Tiedemann David Traver Guido Tricot Darrell Triulzi Suzanne Trudel Christel Van Geet Karin Vanderkerken David Varon Amit Verma Srdan Verstovsek Ravi Vij Dan Vogl Loren Walensky Edmund Waller George Weiner Daniel Weisdorf Karl Welte Peter Westervelt Adrian Wiestner P.W. Wijermans John Wingard Anne Woolfrey Mingjiang Xu Qing Yi Anas Younes Ryan Zarychanski Arthur Zelent Clive Zent Dong-Er Zhang Xianzheng Zhou James Zimring

Conurbation [f. CON- + L. urb- and urbs city + -ation] An aggregation of urban areas. (OED) Beyond the urban, further and lower even than the suburban, lies the con-urban. The conurban: with the urban, partaking of the urbane, lying against but also perhaps pushing against or being contra the urban. Conurbations stretch littorally from Australian cities, along coastlines to other cities, joining cities through the passage of previously outlying rural areas. Joining the dots between cities, towns, and villages. Providing corridors between the city and what lies outside. The conurban is an accretion, an aggregation, a piling up, or superfluity of the city: Greater London, for instance. It is the urban plus, filling the gaps between cities, as Los Angeles oozing urbanity does for the dry, desert areas abutting it (Davis 1990; Soja 1996). I wish to propose that the conurban imaginary is a different space from its suburban counterpart. The suburban has provided a binary opposition to what is not the city, what lies beneath its feet, outside its ken. Yet it is also what is greater than the urban, what exceeds it. In modernism, the city and its denizens define themselves outside what is arrayed around the centre, ringing it in concentric circles. In stark relief to the modernist lines of the skyscraper, contrasting with the central business district, central art galleries and museums, is to be found the masses in the suburbs. The suburban as a maligned yet enabling trope of modernism has been long revalued, in the art of Howard Arkeley, and in photography of suburban Gothic. It comes as no surprise to read a favourable newspaper article on the Liverpool Regional Art Gallery, in Sydney's Western Suburbs, with its exhibition on local chicken empires, Liverpool sheds, or gay and lesbians living on the city fringe. Nor to hear in the third way posturing of Australian Labor Party parliamentarian Mark Latham, the suburbs rhetorically wielded, like a Victa lawn mover, to cut down to size his chardonnay-set inner-city policy adversaries. The politics of suburbia subtends urban revisionism, reformism, revanchism, and recidivism. Yet there is another less exhausted, and perhaps exhaustible, way of playing the urban, of studying the metropolis, of punning on the city's proper name: the con-urban. World cities, as Saskia Sassen has taught us, have peculiar features: the juxtaposition of high finance and high technology alongside subaltern, feminized, informal economy (Sassen 1998). The Australian city proudly declared to be a world city is, of course, Sydney while a long way from the world's largest city by population, it is believed to be the largest in area. A recent newspaper article on Brisbane's real estate boom, drew comparisons with Sydney only to dismiss them, according to one quoted commentator, because as a world city, Sydney was sui generis in Australia, fairly requiring comparison with other world cities. One form of conurbanity, I would suggest, is the desire of other settled areas to be with the world city. Consider in this regard, the fate of Byron Bay a fate which lies very much in the balance. Byron Bay is sign that circulates in the field of the conurban. Craig MacGregor has claimed Byron as the first real urban culture outside an Australian city (MacGregor 1995). Local residents hope to keep the alternative cultural feel of Byron, but to provide it with a more buoyant economic outlook. The traditional pastoral, fishing, and whaling industries are well displaced by niche handicrafts, niche arts and craft, niche food and vegetables, a flourishing mind, body and spirit industry, and a booming film industry. Creative arts and cultural industries are blurring into creative industries. The Byron Bay area at the opening of the twenty-first century is attracting many people fugitive from the city who wish not to drop out exactly; rather to be contra wishes rather to be gently contrary marked as distinct from the city, enjoying a wonderful lifestyle, but able to persist with the civilizing values of an urban culture. The contemporary figure of Byron Bay, if such a hybrid chimera may be represented, wishes for a conurbanity. Citizens relocate from Melbourne, Canberra, and Sydney, seeking an alternative country and coastal lifestyle and, if at all possible, a city job (though without stress) (on internal migration in Australia see Kijas 2002): Hippies and hip rub shoulders as a sleepy town awakes (Still Wild About Byron, (Sydney Morning Herald, 1 January 2002). Forerunners of Byron's conurbanity leave, while others take their place: A sprawling $6.5 million Byron Bay mansion could be the ultimate piece of memorabilia for a wealthy fan of larrikin Australian actor Paul Hogan (Hoges to sell up at Byron Bay, Illawarra Mercury, 14 February 2002). The ABC series Seachange is one key text of conurbanity: Laura Gibson has something of a city job she can ply the tools of her trade as a magistrate while living in an idyllic rural location, a nice spot for a theme park of contemporary Australian manners and nostalgia for community (on Sea Change see Murphy 2002). Conurban designates a desire to have it both ways: cityscape and pastoral mode. Worth noting is that the Byron Shire has its own independent, vibrant media public sphere, as symbolized by the Byron Shire Echo founded in 1986, one of the great newspapers outside a capital city (Martin & Ellis 2002): <http://www.echo.net.au>. Yet the textual repository in city-based media of such exilic narratives is the supplement to the Saturday broadsheet papers. A case in point is journalist Ruth Ostrow, who lives in hills in the Byron Shire, and provides a weekly column in the Saturday Australian newspaper, its style gently evocative of just one degree of separation from a self-parody of New Age mores: Having permanently relocated to the hills behind Byron Bay from Sydney, it's interesting for me to watch friends who come up here on holiday over Christmas… (Ostrow 2002). The Sydney Morning Herald regards Byron Bay as another one of its Northern beaches, conceptually somewhere between Palm Beach and Pearl Beach, or should one say Pearl Bay. The Herald's fascination for Byron Bay real estate is coeval with its obsession with Sydney's rising prices: Byron Bay's hefty price tags haven't deterred beach-lovin' boomers (East Enders, Sydney Morning Herald 17 January 2002). The Australian is not immune from this either, evidence 'Boom Times in Byron', special advertising report, Weekend Australia, Saturday 2 March 2002. And plaudits from The Financial Review confirm it: Prices for seafront spots in the enclave on the NSW north coast are red hot (Smart Property, The Financial Review, 19 January 2002). Wacky North Coast customs are regularly covered by capital city press, the region functioning as a metonym for drugs. This is so with Nimbin especially, with regular coverage of the Nimbin Mardi Grass: Mardi Grass 2001, Nimbin's famous cannabis festival, began, as they say, in high spirits in perfect autumn weather on Saturday (Oh, how they danced a high old time was had by all at the Dope Pickers' Ball, Sydney Morning Herald, 7 May 2001). See too coverage of protests over sniffer dogs in Byron Bay in Easter 2001 showed (Peatling 2001). Byron's agony over its identity attracts wider audiences, as with its quest to differentiate itself from the ordinariness of Ballina as a typical Aussie seaside town (Buttrose 2000). There are national metropolitan audiences for Byron stories, readers who are familiar with the Shire's places and habits: Lismore-reared Emma Tom's 2002 piece on the politics of perving at King's beach north of Byron occasioned quite some debate from readers arguing the toss over whether wanking on the beach was perverse or par for the course: Public masturbation is a funny old thing. On one hand, it's ace that some blokes feel sexually liberated enough to slap the salami any old time… (Tom 2002). Brisbane, of course, has its own designs upon Byron, from across the state border. Brisbane has perhaps the best-known conurbation: its northern reaches bleed into the Sunshine Coast, while its southern ones salute the skyscrapers of Australia's fourth largest city, the Gold Coast (on Gold Coast and hinterland see Griffin 2002). And then the conburbating continues unabated, as settlement stretches across the state divide to the Tweed Coast, with its mimicking of Sanctuary Cove, down to the coastal towns of Ocean Shores, Brunswick Heads, Byron, and through to Ballina. Here another type of infrastructure is key: the road. Once the road has massively overcome the topography of rainforest and mountain, there will be freeway conditions from Byron to Brisbane, accelerating conurbanity. The caf is often the short-hand signifier of the urban, but in Byron Bay, it is film that gives the urban flavour. Byron Bay has its own International Film Festival (held in the near-by boutique town of Bangalow, itself conurban with Byron.), and a new triple screen complex in Byron: Up north, film buffs Geraldine Hilton and Pete Castaldi have been busy. Last month, the pair announced a joint venture with Dendy to build a three-screen cinema in the heart of Byron Bay, scheduled to open mid-2002. Meanwhile, Hilton and Castaldi have been busy organising the second Byron All Screen Celebration Film Festival (BASC), after last year's inaugural event drew 4000 visitors to more than 50 sessions, seminars and workshops. Set in Bangalow (10 minutes from Byron by car, less if you astral travel)… (Cape Crusaders, Sydney Morning Herald, 15 February 2002). The film industry is growing steadily, and claims to be the largest concentration of film-makers outside of an Australian capital city (Henkel 2000 & 2002). With its intimate relationship with the modern city, film in its Byron incarnation from high art to short video, from IMAX to multimedia may be seen as the harbinger of the conurban. If the case of Byron has something further to tell us about the transformation of the urban, we might consider the twenty-first century links between digital communications networks and conurbanity. It might be proposed that telecommunications networks make it very difficult to tell where the city starts and ends; as they interactively disperse information and entertainment formerly associated with the cultural institutions of the metropolis (though this digitization of urbanity is more complex than hyping the virtual suggest; see Graham & Marvin 1996). The bureau comes not just to the 'burbs, but to the backblocks as government offices are closed in country towns, to be replaced by online access. The cinema is distributed across computer networks, with video-on-demand soon to become a reality. Film as a cultural form in the process of being reconceived with broadband culture (Jacka 2001). Global movements of music flow as media through the North Coast, with dance music culture and the doof (Gibson 2002). Culture and identity becomes content for the information age (Castells 1996-1998; Cunningham & Hartley 2001; OECD 1998; Trotter 2001). On e-mail, no-one knows, as the conceit of internet theory goes, where you work or live; the proverbial refashioning of subjectivity by the internet affords a conurbanity all of its own, a city of bits wherever one resides (Mitchell 1995). To render the digital conurban possible, Byron dreams of broadband. In one of those bizarre yet recurring twists of Australian media policy, large Australian cities are replete with broadband infrastructure, even if by 2002 city-dwellers are not rushing to take up the services. Telstra's Foxtel and Optus's Optus Vision raced each other down streets of large Australian cities in the mid-1990s to lay fibre-coaxial cable to provide fast data (broadband) capacity. Cable modems and quick downloading of video, graphics, and large files have been a reality for some years. Now the Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) technology is allowing people in densely populated areas close to their telephone exchanges to also avail themselves of broadband Australia. In rural Australia, broadband has not been delivered to most areas, much to the frustration of the conurbanites. Byron Bay holds an important place in the history of the internet in Australia, because it was there that one of Australia's earliest and most important internet service providers, Pegasus Network, was established in the late 1980s. Yet Pegasus relocated to Brisbane in 1993, because of poor quality telecommunications networks (Peters 1998). As we rethink the urban in the shadow of modernity, we can no longer ignore or recuse ourselves from reflecting upon its para-urban modes. As we deconstruct the urban, showing how the formerly pejorative margins actually define the centre the suburban for instance being more citified than the grand arcades, plazas, piazzas, or malls; we may find that it is the conurban that provides the cultural imaginary for the urban of the present century. Work remains to be done on the specific modalities of the conurban. The conurban has distinct temporal and spatial coordinates: citizens of Sydney fled to Manly earlier in the twentieth century, as they do to Byron at the beginning of the twenty-first. With its resistance to the transnational commercialization and mass culture that Club Med, McDonalds, and tall buildings represent, and with its strict environment planning regulation which produce a litigious reaction (and an editorial rebuke from the Sydney Morning Herald [SMH 2002]), Byron recuperates the counter-cultural as counterpoint to the Gold Coast. Subtle differences may be discerned too between Byron and, say, Nimbin and Maleny (in Queensland), with the two latter communities promoting self-sufficient hippy community infused by new agricultural classes still connected to the city, but pushing the boundaries of conurbanity by more forceful rejection of the urban. Through such mapping we may discover the endless attenuation of the urban in front and beyond our very eyes; the virtual replication and invocation of the urban around the circuits of contemporary communications networks; the refiguring of the urban in popular and elite culture, along littoral lines of flight, further domesticating the country; the road movies of twenty-first century freeways; the perpetuation and worsening of inequality and democracy (Stilwell 1992) through the action of the conurban. Cities without bounds: is the conurban one of the faces of the postmetropolis (Soja 2000), the urban without end, with no possibility for or need of closure? My thinking on Byron Bay, and the Rainbow Region in which it is situated, has been shaped by a number of people with whom I had many conversations during my four years living there in 1998-2001. My friends in the School of Humanities, Media, and Cultural Studies, Southern Cross University, Lismore, provided focus for theorizing our ex-centric place, of whom I owe particular debts of gratitude to Baden Offord (Offord 2002), who commented upon this piece, and Helen Wilson (Wilson 2002). Thanks also to an anonymous referee for helpful comments. References Buttrose, L. (2000). Betray Byron at Your Peril. Sydney Morning Herald 7 September 2000. Castells, M. (1996-98). The Information Age. 3 vols. Blackwell, Oxford. Cunningham, S., & Hartley, J. (2001). Creative Industries from Blue Poles to Fat Pipes. Address to the National Humanities and Social Sciences Summit, National Museum of Canberra. July 2001. Davis, M. (1990). City of Quartz: Excavating the Future in Los Angeles. Verso, London. Gibson, C. (2002). Migration, Music and Social Relations on the NSW Far North Coast. Transformations, no. 2. <http://www.ahs.cqu.edu.au/transformation...>. Graham, S., and Marvin, S. (1996). 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"Conurban" M/C: A Journal of Media and Culture 5.2 (2002). [your date of access] < http://www.media-culture.org.au/0205/conurban.php>. Chicago Style Goggin, Gerard, "Conurban" M/C: A Journal of Media and Culture 5, no. 2 (2002), < http://www.media-culture.org.au/0205/conurban.php> ([your date of access]). APA Style Goggin, Gerard. (2002) Conurban. M/C: A Journal of Media and Culture 5(2). < http://www.media-culture.org.au/0205/conurban.php> ([your date of access]).