Accuracy of selection of Merino sheep by visual appraisal

Abstract

Of 187 stud-masters, sheep classers, commercial woolgrowers and sheep and wool advisory officers in the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Stock, who classed a small flock of sheep by visual appraisal, 8 per cent. secured at least 7 5 per cent. of the available selection differential for fleece value. Men who demonstrated the repeatability of their skills for the selection of sheep by visual appraisal achieved greater selection differentials by using fleece measurement as an aid to selection.