Influence of Romney, Coopworth, and Perendale breeds on lambskin leather quality

Abstract

Skins from 5-month-old wether lambs reared under hill country conditions were processed and evaluated in terms of their impact on the New Zealand tanning industry. Breeds examined in this work were the Coopworth, Perendale, and Romney. The Perendale produced the most desirable wool characteristics for the production of leather tanned with the wool on. Although the Perendale showed the poorest grain leather qualities, the grain layer itself was stronger and more elastic than in the Romney and the Coopworth skins. It is suggested that increased selection of the Perendale for woolon leathers would mutually benefit fellmongers and tanners of all leathers derived from New Zealand lamb pelts.

Effects of breed and age at slaughter on leather produced from export lambs reared on hill country

“…This and other trials (Hughes et al 1978;Passman & Dalton 1982;Passman & Sumner 1983) have shown significant breed differences in aspects of leather quality, particularly suitability for woolon leather production. Present monetary returns from skins, however, are insufficient to justify farmers choosing a specific breed or slaughter time solely on the grounds of skin attributes.…”

“…Leather production After slaughter the skins were washed in cold water, salted, and held for a month before being sent to the New Zealand Leather and Shoe Research Association's pilot tannery. Tanning procedures were similar to those described previously (Passman & Dalton 1982).…”

“…Area of the raw skin was measured by planimeter, and area at the pickled pelt and crust leather stages was measured by a calibrated photocell system. Pelts were subjectively graded at the crust leather stage for presence of neckiness (seven grades), mottle (six grades), double hiding (five grades), pinhole (five grades), and cockle (five grades), as described by Passman & Dalton (1982). In addition, the crust leathers were also graded for white spot (five grades) and grain strain (four grades).…”

“…The crust leathers were also weighed, their thickness in the flank and butt region measured, and their length and width recorded. Samples were taken from the official butt sampling position (Society of Leather Trade Chemists 1965), conditioned at 20°C and 65070 RH for 24 h, and the slot tear load, lastometer load, and lastometer extension determined (Passman & Dalton 1982).…”

Effect of age on leather and skin traits of slaughter ostriches

“…A degree of correspondence across localities on a skin cannot be regarded as indicative of selection response in such traits. However, breed differences in the physical leather characteristics of sheep suggest the possibility of genetic influences upon leather quality (Passman & Dalton, 1982;Passman & Sumner, 1987;Holst et al, 1997;Snyman & Jackson-Moss, 2000). Further research in this area is indicated to explore the possibility of altering physical skin and nodule parameters by genetic selection.…”