HERFS/AUTUMN BONUS TYDSKRIF 2026

The purpose and principles of good wool classing: A business approach to technical excellence Danie van Wyk – Technical Advisor: Extensive Ruminants & Dairy Wool production is one of South Africa’s oldest agricultural industries, with a long-standing reputation for quality and global demand. Yet, the true value of wool lies not only in raw production, but in how it is classed. Good wool classing forms the bridge between the farmand themarket – a process that directly impacts a producer’s financial return. This article explores the purpose, technical principles, and financial benefits of professional wool classing. 1. Nutrition and its impact onwool Nutrition plays a critical role in wool growth, fibre quality, and ultimately the economic value of the clip. Because wool is a continuously produced, protein-based fibre (±70% keratin), any fluctuation in the animal’s nutrient supply will have a direct impact on fibre diameter, strength, and overall yield. Nutrition and wool break (tender wool) Wool break or “tender wool” occurs when the fibre becomes weak and susceptible to breaking along the staple. This thinning of the fibre is almost always linked to nutritional stress. Primary nutritional causes of wool break • Energy deficiencies (drought, poor grazing, sudden feed restriction) • Protein shortages, especially of sulphur- containing amino acids (methionine and cysteine) • Parasite pressure that reduces nutrient uptake • Sudden dietary changes that disrupt rumen function Production impact • Lower clean fleece yield • Shorter staple length • Increased short fibre percentage (carding wool) • Downgrading of wool class -> significant loss in value Nutrition’s influence onmicron and wool yield Wool fiber diameter (micron) is highly sensitive to nutrition. When nutrition is high: • Fibre diameter increases (coarser micron) • Wool yield increases • Staple length improves When nutrition is low: • Micron decreases (finer), but often due to stress • Wool yield drops sharply • Risk of tender wool increases Note: A small decrease inmicron is not always bad, but an inconsistent fibre diameter is heavily penalised in wool classing. Herfs/Autumn 2026 BONUS www.agribonus.co.za 134