Sheepskin leather quality characteristics of South African breeds

In order to investigate the physical leather quality characteristics of different sheep breeds, skins were obtained from Dohne Merino, Dormer, Dorper, Meatmaster, South African Mutton Merino (SAMM) and White Dorper yearlings two separate growth studies. The cured stored for 18 months (Group 1) 9 2) prior tanning. After tanning, samples butt region taken determine tensile strength distension properties. While sex, was found have little effect (P > 0.05) on in both groups, breed a more defined effect. Leather Meatmaster had higher strengths than that wool breeds (∼15.23 N/mm2 vs. ∼9.31 N/mm2, respectively; P ≤ 0.05). production exhibited highest breaking force (207.3 N 280.5 N) percentage elongation at break (103.5 % 77.2 %). Alternatively, SAMM, Dormer showed weaker properties which reduced extent these could be shaved without breaking, resulting thicker with hair breeds. closely resemble industry stipulations nappa products; while poorer are less desirable may require tanning processes achieve an improved product.