[Thyme]

I've read that Dysect stains the fleece, but how permanent is the stain?  If I use Dysect on Shetlands now (after shearing) will it be a problem for next year's fleece, or can I trust that stains will be long gone by then?

[irenemcc]

Can't comment directly on Dysect as we use Covent.  Covent has a colour ingredient in it but it only lasts for a day or two on full fleeced animals and just a few hours on animals recently shorn. It's purpose is so that when flock masters are treating the sheep, you can tell which ones have been done and which are still to do.  Presuming Dysect is the same but check the label.

[Thyme]

Thanks irenemcc.  I hope Dysect is the same but would like to be sure before I take the plunge.  I think it might not be a dye, I saw some discussion that seemed to suggest it can react with sunlight to cause staining.  But maybe not as much of an issue on darker fleeces?  Hopefully someone here knows

[Fleecewife]

Contact the company direct?

[pharnorth]

I'd be interested to hear from anyone with experience of this.  But I find it hard to believe it is a long term stain because it is intended for sheep, and fleece is a sheep product so why would a manufacturer produce a spray that will harm the product?  It does not make sense to have a dye that last longer than the active ingredient, it would look like the sheep are protected when they are no longer protected.

[Thyme]

In this doc from the Natural Fibre Company it says It is worth noting that Dysect stains the fleece green and is best not used on wool or a sheepskin-producing sheep as it’s almost impossible to wash out.

I was planning to use it as it seemed best for lambs under 20kg, per an earlier discussion here, but then saw the bits about staining.  If no-one knows for sure I'll ring the company as Fleecewife suggested.

[shep53]

Personally  DYSECT  makes me ill , the smell is very oily  so I only use it on the hill sheep,  on hopefully  a windy day   for ticks   . since iv'e never used it for blowfly iv'e never seen staining   ,  you must also be carefull on very hot days as it ( can )  burn the skin .   

[Paulie]

I've used dysect this year and no stains, I think it just stains long enough to see who's been treated and who hasn't.

[Thyme]

Thanks Paulie!

[shep53]

The label says discolouration of the fleece can occur in some sheep 6-8 wks after use