Wool Characteristics
Afrino wool must show a good quality with a fibre diameter of not more than 23 micron.
It must be free of any kemp, with as little variation as possible.
Quality
IDEAL
Distinctness of crimp with a soft handling without any foreign fibre and a minimum variation from front to back.
The crimp/fibre diameter ratio must be as close to the Deurden standards as possible with a fibre micron of 23 micron or finer.
DISCRIMINATION
Deviating (non-conforming) quality.
Slight variation.
Big crimp thickness deviation.
DISQUALIFICATION
Poor quality.
Big variation in the fleece and the breech.
Any kemp or hair in the fleece and the breeches.
Over strong wool, stronger than 23 micron.
Colour
IDEAL
The ideal colour for the fleece without any coloured fibres in the fleece. Belly wool is white to light cream.
DISCRIMINATION
Variation in fleece colour.
DISQUALIFICATION
Too yellow or a chalky white fleece.
Length
IDEAL
The Afrino must at least be a B to an A length, i.e. 60 – 80 mm, over twelve months growth.
DISCRIMINATION
Short fleece.
Slight variation in length over the fleece.
DISQUALIFICATION
Too short length over a specific period.
Too big a variation in length.
Covering
IDEAL
The body and belly of the Afrino must be covered with a good quality and a reasonable amount of wool.
Seen as an extensive dual purpose breed, the amount will be determined by conditions.
Clean bellies are seen especially in ewes which suckled lambs, as well as some rams.
DISCRIMINATION
Too much or too little wool.
Watery staples or thick staples.
The appearance of some cheek wool.
DISQUALIFICATION
Too little wool with watery staples.
Too much packed wool.
Creeping bellies.
Big tufts of wool on the head and wool on legs.
Oil
IDEAL
Ample oil with a white colour.
DISCRIMINATION
Visible oil with a deviant colour or yellowisah.
DISQUALIFICATION
Too much visible oil on the fleece.
Yellow or brown oil.
Oil congulated in the fleece.
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