Physical-mechanic characteristics of leather from crossbred Boer and Anglo Nubiano goats

The physical-mechanic industry characteristics of 22 crossed goat leathers from native does mated with Anglo Nubian (AG) and Boer (BO) bucks were studied to evaluate the leather quality by analysis of tension and tear resistance. Animals were slaughtered at average of 260 days of age and 22.0 kg of live body weigth. After skinning, the pelts were weighed, conserved in brine and salted and classified by quality before the chromium-tanned. To evaluate the tension and tear resistance assays, from the semi-finished leathers, six samples were taken in two directions from palette, hind and ventral regions. A split plot experimental design was used, where the two genetic groups were represented by the plots and a 2 x 3 factorial (two positions and three regions) by the split plots. Means were compared by Tukey test. No difference among groups in tension and tear resistance of leather assays were observed. However, there was a significant difference among samples from the palette, hind and ventral region in all characteristics studied, being thickness, strength and elongation valious higher in palette region. It was concluded that goat leather characteristics are similar for both genetic group and the quality is superior than the industry quality reference for a good product and the use of Boer exotic breed on crossing with native does to improve the meat production do not affect the leather quality of the animals.

goats; skin; leather; mechanical characteristics