| The current study was conducted from December to March 2015 with the objective of determining the major causes of defects and quality characteristics of skin and hides and assesses marketing of the raw materials in Adami Tulu-Jido Kombolcha and Bora woredas. A total of 768, (382 sheep and 220 goat skins and 76 cattle hides) samples were randomly selected and visually examined for defects at collection centers. Then, 20 apparently health and 20 apparently defective goat skins were selected purposively, salted and sent to tannery for defect analysis and grading at wet blue stage and for physico-chemical laboratory analysis at crust stage of processing. A questionnaire survey was also done with 200 respondents to assess the marketing situation of hide and skins in the study areas. In this case, household producers, butchers, middlemen and collection center owners were interviewed. The study showed that all the skin and hides examined were found to have one or more types of defects. Major defects responsible for the decline in quality of skin and hide were cockle (36.6-68.1 %), flay defect (50.0-55.9%), scratch (29.5-60.7%), scar (19.3-26.2%) and putrefaction (17.5-30%). Brand marks were also detected mainly in 9.6% of cattle hide. The proportions of scratch, flay defect and cockle were higher in goat skin, sheep skin and cattle hide respectively (P<0.05). Both defective and apparently normal goat skins after tanning to wet blue stage have demonstrated different types of defects. Prevalence of cockle, scratch, putrefaction and pox lesion was increased after processing defective skins. None of the skins considered normal were free of defects. However, the appearance of defects such as cockle, scratch, putrefaction and pox lesion was higher in defective than in those considered normal (P<0.05). Grading at wet blue stage revealed that majority of skins in both groups earned grades 3-5; there was no grade one. On the other hand, physico-chemical examination (tensile strength, % elongation, tear load, moisture and fat content etc) as a reflection of the natural characteristics of goat skin showed that both groups, classified defective and normal, had within standard or better performance compared to the Ethiopian Standard. Marketing of hide and skins was also evaluated. It was observed that marketing was accomplished at four levels: producer, middlemen, collection center and tannery. Prices increase as we go from producers to tannery. Producers selling to collection centers earn better price offer. Major factors affecting marketing of hide and skins include production problems such as diseases and flaying and handling defects as well as market problems such as lack of competitive market, price fluctuation and lack of price information. It can be conclude that if the major defects are significantly reduced and access to market and market information is improved, raw hides and skins in the study areas, as reflected from goat skin analysis, have outstanding natural characteristics that could make them qualify for better grades in the market. |
