390 JUDGING SHEEP 



preparation to increase the oil or yolk content or to improve 

 the texture or general appearance of the fleece is very 

 objectionable. 



Lustre. The lustre of a fleece refers to the character or 

 glistening appearance of the fiber. Lustrous wools have a 

 glistening or brilliant appearance. While this would seem 

 to make wool harsh it does not cause such a condition. Dull 

 wools are dead or lifeless in appearance and on handling 

 there is a very decided harshness characteristic of dead or 

 dry hair. When held to the light there is no tendency to 

 glisten. Wools of this character are very much less valuable 

 than those of a lofty, fresh lustrous appearance. 



Yolk. Yolk is an oil secreted by oil glands. This exudes 

 on the fibers of wool and out to the extreme outer surface 

 where it collects and in some breeds forms a hard crust on 

 the coat. This condition is especially characteristic of the 

 fine-wool breeds which have an unusual amount of this oil 

 in the fleece. Sheep in healthy condition should show a 

 uniform distribution of yolk throughout the fleece. This con- 

 dition in sheep may be compared to the much-coveted oily 

 condition of the skin and hair of the Guernsey cow. Only 

 enough yolk should be exuded to keep the fleece in a soft, 

 healthy condition. Any in excess of this amount is of no 

 use whatever, as the manufacturer uses only the scoured 

 wool. An uneven distribution of yolk indicates unthriftiness. 

 Layers or flakes of yolk throughout the fleece show that the 

 glands secreting this fluid are out of condition. This is an 

 index to the regularity of the vital organs of the animal. 

 When such a condition is present the feeding and manage- 

 ment of the animal should be investigated, as invariably it 

 is the result of improper care or a generally unhealthy con- 

 dition. 



Soundness. Sound wool is of great importance to the 

 manufacturer because of the increased value given to the 

 finished product. Unsound wools would of necessity make 

 unsound cloth, because of the irregularity in the strength 

 of the yarn, whether in woolen or worsted goods. There 

 should be a uniform condition of strength and crimp through- 

 out the fleece. 



