Some morphological and physical characteristics of wool obtained from merino crossbreed grown in Turkey

This research was conducted to investigate some wool characteristics of Merino crossbreds raised in Turkey. Wool characteristics of Central Anatolian Merino in Ankara, Karacabey Merino in Balikesir and Ramlic sheep in Eskisehir districts have been investigated for this purpose. In total, 360 wool samples from the shoulder, rib and rump of lambs (3-6 months age), yearling lambs (1-1,5 year age), primiparous (2-2,5 year age) and secundiparous (3-3,5 year age) sheep were used, including 30 sheep for each flock. Parameters for fineness, length, yield, elasticity and resistance were obtained in the samples. Live weight after shearing and greasy wool yields were detected for each age group in addition to this. Statistical analysis of this research was performed using SPSS software. Normality hypothesis tested using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro-Wilk. Homogeneity of the data tested using the Levene test. Descriptive statistics of variables presented as mean ± standard error. Dirty wool yields were 3.6±0.09, 2.5 ± 0.09 and 2.2 ± 0.08 kg for Karacabey Merino, Central Anatolian Merino and Ramlic sheep, respectively. Average fineness, length, yield, elasticity and resistance measurements of Karacabey Merino were 23.9 ± 0.11 µ, 59.2 ± 0.64 mm, 56.2 ± 0.35 %, 20.2 ± 0.23 cN/tex and 12.6 ± 0.09 cN/tex; whereas 24.7 ± 0.12 µ, 50.6 ± 0.71 mm, 55.2 ± 0.60 %, 21.6 ± 0.23 cN/tex, 13.8 ± 0.14 cN/tex in Central Anatolian Merino and 24.1 ± 0.12 µ, 53.2 ± 1.05 mm, 62.9 ± 0.53 %, 22.3 ± 0.26 cN/tex, 13.4 ± 0.12 cN/tex in Ramlic sheep, respectively. We can suggest that wool characteristics of each 3 crossbreeds obtained in the standard range of textile industry. Development of new agricultural policies and breeder awareness has to be obtained to reintroduce these crossbreds in the textile industry. Also, sales of wool must be obtained via breeder associations and cooperatives.