Wool characteristics of crossbred Baghdadi wild ram and Iran native sheep

Abstract

Twenty mid side wool samples of crossbred sheep were collected and their characteristics were determined. Data analyzed by SAS software and Duncan’s multiple range tests was used for comparison of mean wool characteristics. Average fleece weight, yield, wool diameter, Fine fiber and staple length were: 431.59 ± 38.95 gr, 65.14%, 14.24 ± 0.67 μm, 48.67 ± 5.59, and 43.65 ± 4.15 mm respectively. Mean fleece weight was significantly affected (p < 0.05) by sex (female 259 gr and male 506.55) and age (248.25, 458.38 and 637.75 gr for 1, 2 and 3 yr old respectively). Mean wool diameter was significantly affected by sex (male 12.78 ± 0.49, female 15.33 ± 0.85 μm) and there was a significant difference (p < 0.05) between F 1 and F 2 generation 11.84 ± 0.58, 16.27 ± 0.72 μm respectively. There were effective differences among ages (12.55 ± 0.74, 14.47 ± 0.58 and 13.11 ± 0.64 μm for 1, 2 and 3 yr old respectively). Wool diameter of younger animals, males and F 1 was so fine (12.55, 12.87 and 11.84 μm respectively). Staple length of F 2 crosses was significantly longer than F 1 crosses (p < 0.05). However wool diameter of F 1 was significantly finer than F 2 , but length and down fiber percentage was less than second generation. As wild sheep shed his fiber in winter, the first filial crosses also shed their fibers from the end of winter to early spring. Shedding was seldom observed in F 2 generations. It seems likely that wool from crossbred sheep could be used for those applications for which cashmere is suitable. This study indicates that, such crossbred sheep have a superfine wool and could be used in pure or blend for textile industry.