Body Region Sampling Areas- and Phaneroptics-Associated Hair Fiber Phenotypes in Canarian Camel Versus Merino Sheep

Abstract

ABSTRACT The variability of camel hair fibers physical-mechanical properties across sampling body areas and phaneroptics continue to be relatively unexplored topics in scientific literature. With the aim to valorize camel hair fibers, the present investigation has examined, through discriminant canonical analysis, fiber properties of Canarian camel hair regarding the body region sampled by comparing them with Merino sheep wool, world’s most demanded textile fiber. Additionally, camel hair attribute differences depending on phaneroptics such as coat or eye color and particularities have been determined. Diameter at the base of the fiber is higher for adult camels and increases from the mid-region to the back of the animal. Besides, the highest variability in both staple length and mean diameter was found for camel shoulder and hump fibers. Camel tail dock was the region with the finest fibers but also the one accounting for the highest percentage of residual dirt. Coat color and particularities were unlikely to significantly (p < .05) affect fiber diameter and strength but did affect the brightness of final textile products. These results may help to tailor strategies within camel farming systems seeking the maximization of their productive outcomes, which is of utter relevance in endangered animal genetic resources.