The co-funded ARF-Suri Network Luster Study is in need of colored fleece samples to complete the study. Now that it is shearing time, it will be easy for you to collect the samples for the research project at the same time. Try to mitt the animal before shearing to decrease the amount of vegetable matter in the fleece sample. When the fleece is shorn from the animal, remove the desired amount from the mid blanket (7 ½ ounces) which is about a 12 inch square of fleece and set it aside for the project. The colors that are needed are listed below. We are asking that you hold onto the remaining blanket from the research animals just in case additional fleece is required for future testing. This is a very exciting project and the researchers cannot complete it without the additional samples requested!

SAMPLE PREPARATION:

1. Samples must be from the 2008 or 2009 shearing

2. A maximum of 10 samples per farm will be accepted until the quota of 200 samples achieved

3. Colors accepted: Samples of uniform color: TB, BB, DB, MB, LB, DF, MF, LF and BG (Grays, Fading Fawns and Multis will not be included in this study.) They do not need any white samples; they have already tested 63 white animals.

4. Staple length between 5 to 7 inches. If it is longer, you can cut the sample. It is best to cut the tips of the locks off vs. cutting the shorn edge.

5. 200 grams (7-1/4 ounces) of fiber are to be packaged in a clear gallon zip lock bag. You should try to keep the locks laying in the same direction when you place it in the bag. You do not have to separate each lock; you just want to be careful not to bunch up the fiber when placing it into the gallon zip lock bag.

6. The bag should be identified with the animal's ARI number and name and a copy of the ARI certificate is to be submitted with the sample.

7. There is no age restriction as long as the samples meet the criteria above.

8. In addition to luster analysis, you will receive the following information:

Mean Fiber Diameter

Standard Deviation

Coefficient of Variation

Spin Fineness

Fibers>30 Microns

Comfort Factor

Mean Staple Length

Length Standard Deviation

Length Coefficient of Variation

Mean Curvature

SD Curvature

Percentage of Medullated Fibers (white or light fleeces only)

SHIPPING INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Include a check written to Yocom-McColl Testing Laboratories, Inc. for $15.00 per sample.

2. Submit samples from April 15-August 30th, 2009.

3. Ship to the address below, being sure to write SAMBA on the box:

     Yocom-McColl Testing Laboratories, Inc.
     SAMBA
     540 West Elk Place,
     Denver, CO 80216-1823

Please call the Suri Network Office if you have any questions at 970-586-5876. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!