Manufacture of Shoe Upper Leathers from Sudanese Camel Hides

Abstract

Sudan is one of the African countries with higher livestock population. The total livestock population of the country is estimated at 31.78 millions of cattle, 41 millions of sheep, 32.22 millions of goats and 4.92 millions of camels. This huge population of livestock provides many opportunities for the development of the leather sector in the country. The main source of raw material for the Sudan tanning sector comes from sheep, goat and cattle. Camel (Camelus dromedarius) is one of the most important livestock uniquely adapted to hot dry environments. Sudan holds the second largest camel population in the world (about 4.92 million). Camels in Sudan and elsewhere are classified as pack (heavy) and riding (light) types according to their function. Recent studies have been made to classify the camels according to their performance (dairy camels, meat camels, dual purpose camels and racing camels). In the present study, camel hides were used for manufacture of upper crust leathers and compare with conventional cow hides. Histological analysis of the camel hide and cow hide has been carried out at soaking operation. The physical and chemical analysis indicates that the experimental camel leathers are comparable to control cow leathers in terms of all the properties. The bulk properties for the experimental leathers are better than control leathers. Scanning electron microscopic analysis for both control and experimental leather samples show good separation of fiber bundles. The chemical and physical characteristics of the experimental camel leather revealed that the camel hide raw material was suitable for making of shoe upper leather. In Sudan camel was considered as best alternative animal to conventional raw materials such as sheep, goat and cattle due to its higher off take rate.