The fleece as a habitat for micro-organisms

Abstract

Extract

Although the presence of micro-organisms has been recognized in the fleece, they have usually been considered as temporary contaminants. That this is not the case has been amply demonstrated by studies which are outlined below. In fact, the fleece is a habitat for micro-organisms just as is soil or sewage. All the requirements for microbial growth are present, food is available either as degradation products of wool itself or in the form of substances associated with wool, and some organisms which are able to degrade wool produce compounds that contribute to the growth of other organisms. Close to the skin of a well-woolled sheep, the temperature fluctuations are slight owing to the constant temperature maintained by the animal which is further sustained by the well-recognized insulating properties of wool. The fleece of a well-woolled sheep requires approximately one inch of rain to wet it completely to skin level and this moisture is soon lost by drainage and evaporation. Thus micro-organisms in the fleece must use to the best advantage short periods when the water supply is adequate, and be prepared to lie quiescent for long periods.