Study on wool quality and traditional pattern of wool weaving from tiruchy black sheep in Tamil Nadu

A study was conducted to analyse the wool yield and quality of Tiruchy Black sheep and traditional pattern of wool weaving in Tamil Nadu. The colour of the wool shorn was black. The overall annual greasy fleece yield of Tiruchy Black sheep was 505.31±3.89 g. The mean staple length at 2-, 4-, 6-tooth and full mouth stages were 4.21±0.36, 4.31±0.42, 4.42±0.51 and 4.71±0.54 cm, and mean fibre diameter were 59.64±2.36, 57.74±1.18, 56.51±2.09 and 57.74±1.31 μ, respectively. From the base line survey, it was found that coarse wool of Trichy Black sheep is used in the preparation of blankets (kambli)) by traditional pattern of wool weaving which includes wool cleaning and softening, carding, spinning wrapping of yarn and finishing by coloured acrylic yarn. The survey results showed that traditional pattern of wool weaving is providing self-employment and upliftment of socio economic status of rural youth in Tamil Nadu.