Influence of Romney, Coopworth, and Perendale breeds on lambskin leather quality

Abstract

Skins from 5-month-old wether lambs reared under hill country conditions were processed and evaluated in terms of their impact on the New Zealand tanning industry. Breeds examined in this work were the Coopworth, Perendale, and Romney. The Perendale produced the most desirable wool characteristics for the production of leather tanned with the wool on. Although the Perendale showed the poorest grain leather qualities, the grain layer itself was stronger and more elastic than in the Romney and the Coopworth skins. It is suggested that increased selection of the Perendale for wool-on leathers would mutually benefit fellmongers and tanners of all leathers derived from New Zealand lamb pelts.