Sheep may peeled or plucked, rather than just being shorn, following a breakthrough by scientists working on biological defleecing technology.

Australian researchers are experimenting with a corn plant protein. A couple of days after it's injected into sheep it basically softens the wool's roots and allows it to be pulled by hand. Industry association, Australian Wool Innovation, has been investing in the research.

Its chair Jock Laurie explains how the how the wool peels away.