Influence of genotype on physico-mechanical characteristics of goat and sheep leather

Increasing attention to the quality of skins has been paid by the goat and sheep production industries in Brazil, since the skin might represent a great percentage of the carcass value. Considering that important leather characteristics can be affected when exotic breeds are introduced to improve meat and milk production in native breeds, this study aimed to assess the influence of different goat and sheep genotypes on physico-mechanical characteristics of chromium-tanned leather. Eighty goat and sheep skins were analysed in a completely randomized design with 10 treatments (genotypes) and eight repetitions. Crossbred goats were 1/2 Moxotó, 1/2 Boer, 1/2 Anglo, 1/2 Kalahari and 1/2 Savannah. Sheep genotypes were Santa Inês, Morada Nova, 1/2 Santa Inês-1/2 Morada Nova, 1/2 Santa Inês-1/2 Dorper and 1/2 Morada Nova-1/2 Dorper. All crosses were produced using non-defined breed (NDB). The animals were raised under a semi-intensive production system and slaughtered around 260 days of age, with live weight ranging from 19 to 29 kg. Physico-mechanical characteristics were significantly different (P < 0.05) between species, genotypes and direction of sampling (horizontal and vertical). Except for 1/2 Kalahari, all genotypes had minimal tensile strength required for good quality leather. The highest tensile strength values were observed in sheep of the native genotype Santa Inês. However, all genotypes produced leather within the acceptable variable percentage elongation range of 40-80%, which will result in good elasticity to the commodities produced from these leathers. Goat leather showed higher progressive tear strength (P < 0.05) compared to sheep leather. Considering the reference values for the physico-mechanical tests used to evaluate leather, all evaluated goat and sheep genotypes produced leather with quality parameters acceptable for industrial processing.