Abstract

Recent developments in Livestock production are mainly concerned with improving food conversion ratios and accelerating growth. As a result, animals tend to be killed younger and at smaller live weights.

The composition and properties of the skin vary with age and rate of growth, such changes are illustrated by reference to recent experiments carried out on sheepskins. The collagen content of the skin increases with age and at the same time the collagen itself gradually becomes more stable. Rapid growth leads to increase in collagen content and this collagen is re ]atively less stable. Hides from intensively fed animals which develop quickly are, therefore, likely to be relatively “immature”, compared with traditional hides of the same weight. Such hides have been processed as sole, upholstery and side leather. In general, they have been found to be in the 50-59 lb. weight range or lighter. They tend to be shorter than traditional hides of the same weight and the area and weight yields are less. They swell more during liming and the final leather tends to be softer. Other physical properties are similar to those of leather made from corresponding traditional hides.