Effects of Age, Body Region and Mineral Contents on the Fleece Characteristics of Central Anatolian Merino Sheep

The fibre characteristics of fleece determine its fate through the textile industry. Parameters such as diameter, length, elasticity and strength define the functional quality of fleece. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate effects of different environmental factors as well as wool mineral contents on fleece fibre quality traits in Central Anatolian Merino sheep. Additionally, the mineral contents of Central Anatolian Merino fleece were investigated. For this purpose, 300 samples were equally collected from 3 different body regions (shoulder, rib and rump) of 100 animals from five different age groups. Samples were analysed for fibre quality (diameter, length, elasticity and strength) traits and mineral contents (calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, copper, manganese and zinc). A wide range of statistical relationships were found among the focused traits and those factors. The findings of this study highlight the importance of minerals as well as environmental factors on fleece quality parameters.