Physical and Technical Wool Traits of Mazekh Sheep Breed
Keywords:
Mazekh sheep breed; wool fineness; wool strength; fleece composition; clean wool yieldAbstract
Mazekh sheep are raised in different regions of the Republic of Armenia, including farms in Qanaqeravan (Kotayk region, at 1250 m above sea level) and Koghb (Tavush region, at 750 m above sea level). Their wool is coarse and composed of different fibre fractions, including fluff, awn, and dead hair. The annual greasy fleece weight of rams ranged from 1.8 to 3.0 kg, while selective breeding increased ewe fleece weight up to 3.0 kg. The yield of washed wool varied from 56.77% to 76.84% across sex and age groups. The fractional composition of fleece showed variability, with fluff, awn, and dead hair accounting for approximately 26.5–33.1%, 32.3–39.5%, and 28.6–50.0%, respectively. Wool fibre diameter ranged from 24.7 to 51.6 µm depending on fibre type and sex group. Wool fibre strength was below the optimal level for coarse-wool breeds, with breaking length values of 8.84–8.94 km. Overall, Mazekh sheep retain the characteristics of a coarse-wool, fat-tailed local breed; however, changes in wool structure are observed, including variation in fibre composition, reduced fibre strength, and moderate fleece productivity. These changes are likely associated with long-term crossbreeding and environmental influences, indicating the need for targeted selection and improved management practices.
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