HAIR IN WOOL

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 143, 13 March 1931, Page 9

HAIR IN WOOL

New Detection Test Found SIMPLE & EFECTIVE Palmerston North, March 12. In consequence of the number of complaints levelled by English wool manufacturers against the quantity of hair in much of the Dominion’s wool clip, the Wool Research Division of the Massey Agricultural College, under Professor Elphiek, B.Sc., has been conducting experiments. His object is to evolve a method of detecting the presence of the offending hair, which would dispense with the laborious and expensive microscopic method. Success has attended the efforts of Professor Elphick, and a simple and practicable test, capable of being conducted with the minimum of expense, without any scientific knowledge, and with the greatest of expediency, has been developed. The test was demonstrated and explained to a “Dominion" _ representative this morning by the principal of the college. Professor Peren. Whereas it is comparatively easy to detect the presence of strongly developed hair in wool by the eye alone, it is extremely difficult, if not practically an impossibility, to detect the slightly-bairy fibre. These hairy fibres, especially in rain’s fleeces, constitute a grave source ot trouble to the sheep breeder, and help to propagate hairiness in flocks. The test, which is capable of detecting the presence of even the slightest traces of hairiness, is designed for use on the farm, and as such will prove of untold value in the selection of breeding stock, and to the breeders of stud sheep. Essence of Test. The essence of the test Is that pure wool is practically almost invisible when immersed in benzol, whereas even the slightly hairy fibres remain clearly visible on account of the air contained In the cells of their medulla. The principle involved applies to all New Zealand wools, from the strongest to the finest, and also to the examination of the tops. For the purpose of the demonstration a shallow glass tray with dark bottom, a piece of clear glass, and a small quantity of benzol, was the only equipment required. After being cleaned of grease by benzine, the lock of hair to be tested was teased out into a thin layer by the professor, and then placed on a tray of benzol. On top ot the wool the clear sheet of glass was placed. The lock of. wool was then visible through the glass against the dark base of the tray. The pure wool Is practically invisible, just being perceptible as faint blue lines. The hair, however, stands out bright and chalky, and is easily distinguished from the wool. The percentage of modulated or hairy fibres can be estimated by their prevalence, though no standard has been set upon which figures may be based. Very Critical. Tlie test is a very critical one, and it is more than likely that until it has been in use for some years it will be feasible to discard every ram showing only traces of slight hairiness. Breeders will, however, have the advantage by the application of the test ot knowing exactiy what they are using in their matings. The test, if carried out properly, is Infallible, and with a little practice a large number of animals can be tested in a comparatively short time, as each test requires less tbsfive minutes.