Drafting sheep refers to the process of selectively removing wool from a sheep's fleece. This is typically done to improve the quality of the wool and to prepare the sheep for shearing.
Why Draft Sheep?
There are several reasons why sheep owners might choose to draft their sheep:
- Improve Wool Quality: Drafting removes the coarser, shorter, or less desirable wool fibers, resulting in a fleece that is more uniform and of higher quality.
- Prepare for Shearing: Drafting can make shearing easier and more efficient. By removing some of the wool before shearing, the shearing process becomes less strenuous for both the sheep and the shearer.
- Promote Better Health: Drafting can help prevent matting and tangling in the fleece, which can lead to skin irritation and infections.
- Prepare for Shows: In some cases, sheep are drafted to prepare them for shows. By removing certain wool fibers, the sheep's fleece can be made more appealing to judges.
How is Drafting Done?
Drafting is typically done by hand, using a pair of shears or a specialized drafting comb. The sheep owner carefully goes through the fleece, identifying and removing the unwanted fibers. The process can be time-consuming and requires skill and knowledge of wool characteristics.
When to Draft Sheep
The best time to draft sheep depends on the breed and the individual sheep. Generally, it's recommended to draft sheep:
- Before shearing: To prepare for shearing and improve the quality of the wool.
- During the growing season: To remove any coarse or unwanted fibers that have grown in.
- Before a show: To prepare the sheep for competition.
Drafting vs. Shearing
Drafting and shearing are two distinct processes:
- Drafting removes only a portion of the fleece, leaving the sheep with a shorter, more refined coat.
- Shearing removes the entire fleece, leaving the sheep with a short, clean coat.
Drafting is typically done in preparation for shearing, but it can also be done independently.