What aspects are fleece evaluated for?

Fleece evaluation focuses primarily on its weight, yield, and fiber diameter because these characteristics directly impact both the quality and commercial value of the fleece. Weight refers to the mass of the fleece produced, which is crucial for understanding the volume of wool harvested from sheep. Yield indicates the percentage of usable wool obtained after processing, as not all of the fleece will be suitable for high-quality wool; some may contain impurities or undesirable fibers. Fiber diameter is essential as it determines the fineness of the wool, which is a major factor in the softness and comfort of the final product. Finer fibers are generally more desirable for clothing and other applications due to their softness against the skin.

Other aspects, while potentially relevant to specific considerations, do not directly impact the core evaluation process in the same way. For instance, color and softness matter but are secondary to measurements like yield and fiber diameter, which largely dictate market value and demand.