Abstract: A series of roller pairs in the drafting zone of sliver drafting apparatus have toothed or needlelike projections. The projections are spaced circumferentially and axially of the rollers so that projections of cooperating rollers either within a pair or between rollers of adjacent pairs are periodically interdigitated, as seen axially of the rollers, in spaced relationship as the rollers rotate at constant angular velocity. The rollers carry toothed wheels engageable for positive drive without backlash by a toothed belt. The upper rollers of the pairs are driven by a common endless loop belt and the lower rollers by a second belt. Each belt passes over a spring-loaded jockey roller which tensions the belt and which can be moved against the spring force in response to overloading tension on the belt caused by retardation of roller rotation in response to excessive fibres between a roller pair. Such movement of the jockey roller actuates a limit switch to shut off the belt drive motor.