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.
Subject
Mechanics of Materials,Biomaterials,Civil and Structural Engineering,Ceramics and Composites
Reference22 articles.
1. Production and Characterization of Wool and Hair Fibers in Highlands of Baluchistan, an Economic and Sustainable Approach for Pakistan
2. Kenya-Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Competitiveness Project
http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/183891468277771928/pdf/326330Procurement0Plan0for0200516.pdf
3. An Outbreak of Rift Valley Fever in Northeastern Kenya, 1997-98
4. An Econometric Model of the Australian Wool Market by Grade with Applications to Policy Analysis;Connolly,1990
Cited by
19 articles.
订阅此论文施引文献
订阅此论文施引文献,注册后可以免费订阅5篇论文的施引文献,订阅后可以查看论文全部施引文献