Evaluation of Wool Quality Parameters of Polish Sheep Breeds

The aim of the study was exploration of the properties of wool derived from sheep reared in Poland. Twenty-nine breeds of sheep diverse from the type of farming, e.g. for meat, dual-purpose breeds for wool-milk, and versatile wool are bred in Poland, but only few of them have uniform wool. Because there is a lack of data determining quality and quantity of Polish wool, the wool-based textile industry in Poland uses mainly imported raw material. Wool quality has an impact on processing efficiency and determines possibility of its further use. In order to assess the wool quality from the local sheep breeds (Polish Merino, Olkuska, Zelaznienska, Polish Lowland Sheep), fiber parameters were evaluated: average fiber diameter, length, curvature, and comfort factor. The wool was subjected to microscopic analysis and color examination. Results of the study showed that wool from the above-mentioned sheep breeds varies greatly in terms of quality. The obtained data helps fill the information gap on Polish wool.