CERTIFICATION AND CLASSIFICATION SYSTEMS OF WOOL BY FIBER DIAMETER

Abstract

Fineness occupies the first or one of the first places among all the properties
of wool, determining its spinning range and production purpose. It is taken into account in
selective breeding during selection and choice of sheep, and is used when dividing wool into
types and groups. Fineness is also an important classification feature. In this regard, the purpose of the research was to study and characterize wool classification systems, the correlation
of fineness with other physical and technical parameters of wool, as well as metrological support of wool quality indicators and its certification. It is noted that the basis of most of the existing classifications is the technological value of wool, largely predetermined by fineness. In
its turn, the classification is terminological and essential base in the development of national
standards. It also determines the standards in the preparation of wool for sale at different stages of production and subsequent processing. We analysed the interstate standard GOST
30702-2000 “Wool. Commercial agricultural and industrial classification”, as a document,
which summarize the requirements for wool raw materials in the countries of the Eurasian
Economic Union. This standard simplified the system for its standardization by establishing
unified requirements for the quality parameters of wool. It is stated that so far the standards
have little effect on the process of preparing wool for sale in agricultural enterprises of the
Russian Federation. Certification is not sufficiently implemented as a tool to manage the quality of wool and increase the profitability of its production. It has been suggested that wool
certification is necessary for an objective determination of its qualitative and quantitative
characteristics. Evaluation of wool raw materials with the use of modern methods and equipment for its compliance with the requirements of standards will contribute to the formation of
the wool market in the country, ensure the correct pricing for wool depending on the established indicators and can serve as a powerful reserve for increasing the economic efficiency of
sheep products.