Sources of variation in fibre production and quality traits source of variation in down-bearing Patagonian goats and implications for developing a cashmere industry

• Published in: Small ruminant research 2017-05, Vol.150, p.60-69
• Main Authors: Frank, E.N., Hick, M.V.H., Russano, D., Castillo, M.F., Prieto, A., Aisen, E.G.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Crimping; Fineness; Fleece type; Patagonian cashmere; Quality fibre
• ISSN: 0921-4488; 1879-0941
• DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2017.03.003

•It is not well known in Scientific literature whether Creole goats in Northern Patagonia produce cashmere. The production of fibre from the Angora goat is best known for Argentina.•Fleece classification by style and fineness could provide 41.5% of fibre valued as Cashmere.•This cashmere fibre (19.0μm, indicating that 42.5% of the fibre was below 19μm in DFD. The other variables were significantly different within LC, short cashmere (SC) and intermediate cashmere (IC) styles when the grade of fineness was compared. The styles with lustre effect (CG and L) showed very low crimp as compared to the other styles. Taking styles as numerical, a Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (rs) was calculated with numerical grade of fineness (rs=0.45), DFD (rs=0.58), DFL (rs=0.56) Y% (rs=0.61), R: CFL/DFL (rs=−0.60); DW (rs=0.56); C°/mm (rs=−0.27). It was concluded that the classification by styles and fineness could determine more than 42% of fleece complies with the cashmere textile industry requirements.