Which of the following is NOT a factor in determining the grade of goat fleece?

For evaluating goat fleece, fineness, crimp, and strength are fundamental factors that significantly influence the overall grade and quality of the fleece.

Fineness refers to the diameter of the wool fibers; finer fibers typically result in a softer and more desirable fleece. Crimp, which describes the natural waviness of the wool, affects the texture and the ability of the fleece to hold air, thereby contributing to its warmth and insulation properties. Strength is crucial as it determines the durability of the fleece when it comes to processing and spinning.

Temperature, on the other hand, does not play a direct role in the grading of goat fleece. While environmental conditions can affect the growth and health of the goats, leading to differences in fleece quality, temperature itself is not a standard factor used in the objective grading of fleece. Grading is typically based on physical characteristics and intrinsic properties of the fibers rather than the external temperatures they may experience during growth or shearing.