Evaluation of mean fiber diameter measurements by FibreLux micron meter and OFDA2000 in Texas and Intermountain west wool

Objective measurements of wool, specifically mean fiber diameter (MFD), plays an important role in the selection of replacement animals and the marketing of greasy wool. The FibreLux (FL) was designed for field use and will be a cost-effective instrument for producers if it compares favorably to the OFDA2000 on U.S. wool samples. The aim of this study was to compare accuracy and precision of the FL to the OFDA2000 for measurement of mean fiber diameter of U.S. wool. We hypothesized that MFD accuracy of the FL vs. OFDA2000 would be within manufacturer recommended 0.8 μm specifications in U.S. wool samples. Wool from animals originating from two distinct regions was used in this study. Side samples from Montana, Wyoming, and South Dakota (n = 998; 21 flocks) and Texas (n = 883; 11 flocks) were measured on the FL and OFDA2000 at the Montana State University Wool Lab (MSU) and the Texas A&M AgriLife Bill Simms Wool and Mohair Research Lab (AgriLife), respectively. The FL and OFDA2000 were strongly correlated (P