Characterization of the wool fiber physical properties of Ethiopian indigenous sheep breeds

Abstract

The physical properties of wool fiber considered as vital attribute to grade, classify and select a raw wool fiber for different textile applications. Limited works have been done in Ethiopia to address this subject. In this research, the physical properties (mainly the fineness, crimp and strength) of wool fiber of Ethiopian indigenous sheep breeds have been investigated. Four Ethiopian indigenous sheep breeds such as Menz, Wollo (no wool from its belly), Farta and Tikur (no wool from its belly) were considered. Fibers sampled from four body parts at four defined ages of each sheep breeds. All samples have been conditioned for 24 h at 20 ± 1 °C temperature and 65 ± 2% relative humidity. The results revealed that the fineness, crimps and strength of the four indigenous sheep breeds are significantly different from each other. The wool fiber from Ethiopian sheep breeds is suitable for textile production. Hence, these wool fibers are classified based on their breeds to use for different textile applications.