Studies on Magra (Indian) Wool

Abstract

A detailed physicochemical examination has been made of Magra wool, which is obtained from one of the principal sheep breeds found in the dry, northern region of India. In order to obtain more uniform materials to study, the wool was divided into fine fibers devoid of medulla, averaging about 56s quality (MGAF), and heterotypic fibers of about 44s quality containing fragmental medullae (MGAH). The hairs and kemp present in this breed were not examined. For comparative purposes, parallel studies were made also on 64s Merino wool. There are three major structural differences between MGAF fibers and Merino wool. The former possesses a much lower cystine content, contains more amorphous material, and has a different ortho- and para-cortical cell distribution. Although physical mea surements indicate that MGAF fibers may constitute a good-quality wool, these differ ences must be borne in mind, and it would be essential to ensure that improved breeding methods, which would diminish the heterotypic fibers and result in the loss of the valuable "carpet wool" qualities, will in fact be followed by the development of a high- quality apparel wool.