Some measurements are too expensive for breeders to contemplate such as staple strength. CV measurements are now routinely provided at no extra charge with fibre diameter measurements. There is now an Australian standard for measurement of wool and fleece properties which includes some aspects applicable to breeders. Just as careful sampling and measurement procedures are required, careful recording is a vital part of the chain. Misreading of tag numbers is surprisingly common, but can be reduced by checking tags off a prepared list.
Some people are prone to confuse figures and are best allocated to other tasks.
Direct entry of data onto computers removes a step and reduces risk of error. Modern scales can be directly interfaced with a computer, and most fleece testing houses will return data electronically on request. Traits of interest vary within single fleeces as well as between animals. Some traits such as fibre diameter show a considerable part of their variation within individual staples. Other traits such as vegetable matter, show variation across different parts of the fleece.