Assessment on Defects of Wet-Blue Hide and Pickled Skin At Modjo Tannery

Across-sectional study was conducted from February to June 2015 with the objectives of identifying the major types of hide and skin defects and determining their prevalence in pickled skins of sheep and wet blue goat skins and hides originated from two districts namely Hitosa and Dodota of East Arsi Zone at the Colba and Gelan tanneries in Modjo town. A total of 389 wet blue cattle hides, 385 wet blue goat skin and 399 pickled sheep skin were examined. The study finding showed that there exist various defects responsible for the decline in quality of skin and hide. The major defects at the wet blue hide were flay cut (59.1%), gouge mark (42.2%), and putrefaction (35.2%). In sheep pickled skin higher percentage of cockle (36.9%), gouge mark (28.3%) and scratch (27.0%) were observed. In wet blue goat skin, cockle (48.1%), veininess (44.6%) and crack (41.9%) were the major defects observed. The prevalence of cockle, veininess, scar, corduroying, crack, gouge mark, poor pattern and brand mark were significantly higher (P<0.05) in goat skin at wet blue stage than pickled sheep skin while putrefaction and shoat pox were significantly higher (P<0.05) in sheep skin compared to goat wet blue skin. The major defects that leads to rejection of wet blue hide were flay cut while cockle in sheep and goat skin. In pickled sheep skin, grade of 1-3 accounts 14% and grade 4-7 accounts 86% of the total observation. This study showed large proportion of skin and hides were subjected to rejection because of poor quality and this implies that integrated efforts towards improved livestock husbandry and better health care are vital issues for production of better-quality hide and skin. Furthermore, effective extension system and programs that could raise public awareness on ectoparasites and skin diseases control as well as on methods of flaying, preservation and handling of skins should be implemented.