O o d h e a d p u b L i s h I n g L i m I t e d

1.3
What aspects of wool production might be
amenable to genetic manipulation?
Theoretically, genetic manipulation could change many aspects of wool growth
and properties given the necessary knowledge of what genes are involved.
The following list comprises phenotypic characteristics that are important
for wool usage. Most of them could be judged from current knowledge to be
within range of manipulation of wool follicle function by transgenesis or by
specific gene-related molecular factors:
• increasing yield;
• improving fibre strength;
• decreasing the diameter;
• decrease fibre stiffness;
• altering crimp;
• increasing lustre;
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Advances in wool technology
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• modifying surface properties for special uses;
• eradication of dark fibres from the fleece;
• prevention of blowfly strike;
• improving the technique of biological wool harvesting.