Animal Products Wool and Mohair

World Wool Production Greasy wool – wool shorn once per year Scoured wool – wool that has been washed to remove grease etc.

Figure 6. 11 Top 10 states for wool production, 2005 (1,000 lb) Figure 6.11 Top 10 states for wool production, 2005 (1,000 lb). Source: USDA.

Top Wool Producing States 1. 2. 3.

Wool Processing Shearing Grading Spinning

Growth of Wool and Hair Growth occurs from the follicle Blood supply New cells push old cells

Structure of Wool Cuticle Medulla Outer layer Causes fibers to cling together Medulla Absent in fine wools

Wool Production Management Nutrition Breeding Energy Protein If protein is greater than 8% energy drives wool production Protein If less than 8% protein limits wool production Breeding Selection for fleece weight, staple length, and diameter of wool

Wool Terminology Fleece- the wool from one sheep Crimp- Natural waviness of a wool fiber Staple- Length of a wool fiber Wool Tags- Britch wool or Belly wool- short course wool on the rear leg and or belly Clip- Spin Count- number of hanks of yarn that can be spun Yolk- oily yellow portion of wool

Wool

Figure 6.8 Wool samples of the major grades of wool based on spinning count and the blood system.