Types and Dimensions of Fiber Scales from the Wool Types of Domestic Sheep and Wild Life

Abstract

Scale structure and dimensions and fiber thickness were measured on a number of fibers repre senting the different fiber types from fleeces of several wild life species, including the Big Horn sheep, and of fibers from the various wool types of domestic and primitive sheep, including the fine-wool, medium-wool, long-wool, and mixed-wool types. The scale index, or relation of scale height to fiber thickness, was studied as a means of identification of fiber types and as a breed characteristic. The relationship between scale structure and dimensions in the various animal textile fibers and the identification of the animals from which the fibers came were studied.