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Abstract
Wool growth was measured from tattooed patches (approximately 10 × 10 cm) by close clipping every 4 weeks, and from the remaining fleece by shearing every 16 weeks. The ratio of fleece to mid-side patch weight changed significantly (P < 0.01) between different sampling periods, being lowest in summer and highest in winter. The possible reasons for this are discussed. It is suggested that the major proportion of the change in relationship was due to a local effect, local cooling being the most likely. It is suggested that the validity of the tattooed patch technique as a measure of total wool growth at different times be carefully re-examined. These results also cast doubt on the amplitude of the seasonal curve of total wool growth found by numerous investigators using the tattooed patch technique.