In the first Workshop of this EC-funded Network, entitled "Development of European Standards for Objective Measurement of Genetic Selection Parameters, based on Quantity and Quality Fibre Traits" and held in Villaviciosa, Spain, in October, 1997, the important fibre criteria, which should be included in genetic selection programmes for cashmere, mohair, angora and fine wool, were reviewed.

The detailed outcomes of the Workshop were reported in the report on the Workshop but in summary they were as follows:

• Cashmere. There was good agreement on what quality and quantity traits to measure. There were technical issues to be resolved concerned with the sizes of patches and the factor for converting the quantity information from the patch to that of the whole animal, and issues about the measurement of the lustre and crimp of fibre

• Fine wool. The important quantity and quality traits were identified but agreement had still to be reached about how they were to be measured.

• Mohair. The relevant traits were identified but there was still discussion to be required about how they were to be measured. This particularly applied to the grading of fleeces where different approaches were being used in different countries. This will be addressed in a practical session within this Workshop.

• Angora. The need to design a common animal identification system, an unified fleece classification system, a standard method for taking samples and when samples should be taken were all key issues that required to be considered prior to this Workshop. In a meeting prior to this Workshop good progress was made in resolving a number of these issues.

The objectives of this Workshop are:

• To consider the genetic implications for the quality and quantity criteria that were identified in the first Workshop.
• To agree on the basis of the above what measurements should be made of fibre quality and quantity and what additional non-fibre measurements should be undertaken.
• To conclude what measurements should be included in the common database that will be created and what precise details will be recorded.
• To discuss databases and their management.

The mode of operation of the Workshop will be initially plenary papers on the factors influencing the design of selection schemes and their implementation for cashmere goats, angora goats and angora rabbits. This will be followed by group discussions on the fibre quality and quantity, and other non-fibre, measurements to be included in the database for each fibre type, namely cashmere, fine wool, mohair and angora. Finally there will be a reporting-back session from each of the groups. This will form the basis of part of the report on the Workshop and of the measurements that will be included in the database.

back to Report