Macroscopic and microscopic characterization of sheep wool in southern coast of Peru

Abstract

In Peru, wool production positioned in better place to compete with synthetic fibers, due to oscillating oil prices around the world. This study aimed to characterize sheep wool, according to macroscopic and microscopic qualities of ethnological and economic interest. In Ite’s municipality, southern coast of Peru, wool fleeces were sampled in 20 creole sheep from Humedales, 20 creole sheep from farms and six Hampshire Down crossbreds. Also was measured the sheep live weight. The results of physical characteristics of wool and live weights were transcribed into electronic spreadsheets, to analyze through descriptive statistics using the software R and create a histogram. The crossbred and creole sheep from farms were heavier than creole sheep from Humedales. In the three groups predominated the short fibers, with advantage of the creole sheep by minor presence of kemp. Creole sheep from Humedales had greater staple length and yield after scouring. The fiber diameters of Ite’s creole sheep indicated an entrefine and comfortable wool. These herds have useful fibers in industrial textile confection, but the creole group from Humedales can be selected by their longer fleeces for artisanal use. On farms exist absorbent crosses of creole females with Hampshire Down crossbreds. It is urgent to create nucleus of local sheep looking for their conservation and promotion among the breeders, who must organize themselves and require governmental support for the textile confection, achieving a sustainable sheep farming in Ite.