Abstract
The aim of this paper is to study wool fiber resources from Kenya that have been obtained from different breeds in order to characterize the basic properties of their wool to help improve the economic value of Kenyan wool. The Kenyan sheep industry has received less attention in terms of research and development when compared with large livestock. Wool quality and yield are essential to obtaining good returns in the international market. This study was conducted to analyze the wool yields and qualitative index of Kenyan sheep. The wool samples were taken from 95 crossbreed Dorper sheep comprising 23 males and 72 females between the ages of one and five years. Wool samples from the shoulders, flanks, back belly and legs were taken for analysis. The mean fleece weight was 2.04 ± 0.06 kg, with coefficient of variation of 37% for all the selected sheep; the average for the males was 2.06 ± 0.06 kg and the average for females was 2.02 ± 0.08 kg. The variation in the fleece weight was in the range of 0.7–3.3 kg. The yield percentages and impurities were analyzed and reported. The wide variations in fleece weight, the increase in sheep population and the trend of raw wool export suggests that there is potential for improving economic traits. Kenya can obtain trade benefits related to the wool industry by becoming a member of International Wool Trade Organization and by following economically sustainable practical approaches. It is essential to have good international and regional cooperation with countries that can share knowledge and training as well as marketing and information.
Highlights
The research into agriculture, natural raw materials and agro-industry, facilitated through institutions such as universities or research centers, is an important part of the economy
The results showed that the mean fleece weight was 2.04 ± 0.06 kg with 37%
This is less than 4.5 kg, the international mean yield of wool per animal per year
Summary
The research into agriculture, natural raw materials and agro-industry, facilitated through institutions such as universities or research centers, is an important part of the economy. The sheep industry is one of the major resources for a country to develop, among other livestock [1]. Kenya is not a member of the International Wool Textile Organization, which would require, among other things, the ability to certify wool fibers to internationally-accepted standards, to make sheep farming more viable and profitable to farmers and commercial stakeholders. Fibers 2018, 6, x FOR PEER REVIEW internationally-accepted standards, to make sheep farming more viable and profitable to farmers and internationally-accepted standards, to make sheep farming viable profitable to farmers and in the wool trade. Kenyan wool andtowool commercial stakeholders inmarketing the wool strategies trade. Global marketing strategies should be followed sell commercial stakeholders in the trade. Global marketing strategies should be followed to sell products in foreign countries [3].wool
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