Wool may be shared from the living
animals or pulled from hide after the animal has been slaughtered for its meat.
The sheared wool is called fleece or clip wool. Wool which is taken from the
slaughtered animal hide is called pulled wool and is frequently of
inferior/lower quality. The processing of wool fibers can be put under the
headings of: 1) shearing, 2) grading, 3) spinning preparation, and 4) spinning.
Sheep are sheared by skillful shearers
who do the job by using electric hand clippers similar to enlarged barber’s
shares. Smooth strokes close to the skin of the animals are used for obtaining
lengthy fibers so that the fleece remains valuable. Grading: After shearing the
wool is separated into main categories: fleece 9which makes up the vast bulk),
broken, pieces, and locks. The latter three are pressed into wool packs and
sold separately. Grading is done for establishing the quality of raw fiber in
respect of fiber length, diameter (microns), colour, amount of dirt, and other
impurities.
These factors are determined either by
the experienced Graders or by the prospective buyers themselves who take the
samples for the purpose. Graders can do the job simply through visual
inspection. Fibre diameter is the single most important wool characteristic
determining quality and price. Spinning Preparation60% (on the basis of weight)
of the raw wool fiber is composed of impurities and only 40% of it is usable
wool fiber. the impurities present in wool are of three types: natural;
acquired; and applied impurities.
Natural impurities are the glandular
secretions that adhere to the fleece. Suint and wool grease, together known as
yolk, are such two major components. Suint is the dried perspiration of sheep
that is water soluble. Wool grease is water insoluble and requires special
scouring for its removal. The acquired impurities include soil, dust, dirt,
straw, vegetable and fecal matter. Applied impurities are due to the treatments
given to the animal against insects, pests etc. and due to the markings made on
them with tar or paints for their identification. The fibre preparation
includes a) garmeting & carbonizing, b) washing and scouring, c) drying, d) oiling, and e) blending.
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