Microflora and Grease Fleece of Normal and Felted Wool Sheep of Ukrainian Carpathian Mountain Breed
June 2026
in “
Studia Biologica
”
TLDR Felted wool in these sheep has more sweat and bacteria, altering its fatty acids and making it more prone to felting.
This study investigates the role of microflora and grease in the felting of wool in Ukrainian Carpathian Mountain sheep. It finds that felted wool has higher sweat content and alkalinity, promoting bacterial and mold growth, which reduces wax content. There are significant changes in the fleece's fatty acid composition, including increased erucic acid and decreased cerotic acid, which may act as a natural disinfectant. Felted wool has a lower proportion of saturated fatty acids and a higher proportion of unsaturated fatty acids, making it more susceptible to peroxide oxidation. These changes in the fleece environment directly impact the felting process.
