Over The Horizon

Leather Genes

Scientists will go to the ends of the Earth to prove a point, as demonstrated by Icelandic sheepskin researcher Dr Emma Eythorsdottir, who is visiting New Zealand to study local genetic work related to improved leather quality.

Eythorsdottir is from the Iceland Agricultural Research Institute. Her job in Iceland is to investigate if skin characteristics are inherited, and how genetic influences can be exploited to improve quality in processing. While the sheep and the market requirements for the leather aren't exactly the same in the two countries, the science of identifying genetic factors that can improve pelts is the same, and Eythorsdottir is enthusiastic about working in New Zealand.

"Specific pelt requirements between the two countries differ, but the issue of using genetics as a method of improvement is the same, and my skills in this area are portable," says Eythorsdottir.

In New Zealand, Eythorsdottir is working with AgResearch scientist Dr David Scobie at AgResearch Lincoln on a project looking specifically at controlling the wrinkles in Merino skin which become ribs in the pelt.

"Pelts are often considered a by-product, but it's still a way of increasing farmers' returns. Farmers the world over are looking for ways of improving on-farm income, and if this proves to be a way of improving the quality and therefore the value of pelts, it is a good option to consider," she adds.

Ultimately, she would like to see a system of classification that rewards improvements in pelt quality, rather than farmers accepting an average. This system could allow skins to be identified and diverted in the processing system for the use they're most suited for.

The AgResearch trial will be looking at Merino and Merino/Romney cross pelts. Wrinkles, or ribs, in Merino leather mean inferior quality skin and therefore lower returns to growers, but it may be possible to reduce the problem by selecting breeding animals for fewer wrinkles. This is a natural way of producing quality raw skins that will be sought after by pelt processors.

Eythorsdottir is in New Zealand to organise matings for the experiment and will return next year when the lambs are slaughtered. She's interested to notice how different New Zealand's sheep farming is to Iceland's more intensive system, which involves indoor wintering and mountain grazing.