Detailed Explanation of Fine Sheepskin Flaying Methods and Processing Techniques

Sheepskin has relatively high economic value. Doing a good job of flaying and primary processing of sheepskin can increase economic income and improve @#@229@#@ benefits. Here is a brief introduction to sheepskin flaying and primary processing techniques for our readers:

Flaying. When slaughtering goats or sheep, most people still use the traditional "big neck slash" method. This method often causes blood to contaminate the hide and wool, affects the integrity of the sheepskin, and lowers pelt quality. A better method for slaughtering sheep is to secure the sheep first, then use a knife to make a longitudinal cut in the skin on the sheep's neck, with an incision of about 7-10 cm, then forcefully insert the knife into the incision to cut the trachea and blood vessels and let the blood out, or pull the trachea out through the skin and cut it to prevent blood from contaminating the hide and wool. After the blood is drained, flay immediately while the sheep's body temperature has not yet dropped. Do not flay with a knife or by blowing air, because knife flaying easily damages the pelt, and blowing air is harmful to the person blowing. It is best to use the fist-beating method: place the sheep supine on a clean cutting board, use a sharp knife to first open the skin along the ventral midline, then extend the cut forward along the midline and backward to the anus. Then open two transverse lines from the inner sides of the two front limbs and the two hind limbs, reaching all the way to between the hooves, perpendicular to the longitudinal line of the chest and abdomen. Next, use the knife to peel inward about 5 cm along the opened skin of the chest and abdomen, hold the opened edge of the chest and abdomen skin tightly with one hand, and beat the flesh with the fist of the other hand, pulling while beating. In this way, the entire sheepskin is quickly removed.

Shaping. Use a blunt knife to scrape off the meat scraps, fat, coagulated blood, and impurities on the flesh side of the removed fresh hide, being careful not to cut through the flesh side, and keep the fur intact. Then remove the lips, ears, hoof segments, tailbone, and the horn-like edge parts that hinder the shaping of the pelt. Finally, according to the natural shape and stretching properties of the pelt, spread all parts of the pelt flat so that the pelt is smooth and square. Preservation treatment. The fresh hide is mainly composed of collagen fibers and contains protein, fat, and water, making it especially susceptible to bacterial reproduction, decomposition, and spoilage.

Therefore, preservation treatment must be done promptly. At present, there are mainly two preservation methods: air-drying and salt-curing.

1. Air-drying method. Dry the fresh hide until the moisture content is 12%-16%, so as to create environmental conditions unfavorable to bacterial growth and reproduction and achieve the purpose of preservation. The specific method is: first shake the wool of the fresh hide smooth, place the flesh side down and the wool side up, stretch the limbs and fur flat according to the natural shape, and spread it flat on a wooden board or attach it to a wall. Be careful not to stretch it too much. After the flesh side has set its shape, take it down, then place the flesh side up and dry it in a cool, ventilated place. During the drying process, be careful to prevent freezing, prevent exposure to direct sunlight, and prevent trampling by people and livestock.

2. Salt-curing method. This method can inhibit bacterial reproduction as quickly as possible, does not cause hair loss, does not cause spoilage, and can preserve the pelt for a long time. There are two specific methods: one is the dry-curing method. That is, evenly sprinkle salt on the inner side of the fresh hide, using an amount of salt equal to 35%-50% of the weight of the fresh hide, so that the salt fully absorbs water and gradually penetrates into the hide. Stack the salted fresh hides flesh side to flesh side into small piles, cure for 2-3 days, then stretch them out and dry them. The second is the wet-curing method. Put the fresh hide into a pre-prepared salt solution with a concentration of 25% and a temperature of about 15°C, and soak for 16-26 hours. Then take the sheepskin out and hang it on a rope or wooden pole to let the liquid drip freely. After the water has dripped off, sprinkle dry salt again on the flesh side at 20%-25% of the pelt weight, and dry it.

Storage and preservation. The dried hides processed as above should be arranged neatly flesh side to flesh side and hide side to hide side, tied into bundles of 10-20 pieces each with thin rope, and put into storage. Cover them with plastic sheeting and, if necessary, add insect repellents such as mothballs or refined naphthalene powder to prevent the fur from being eaten by insects. At the same time, also pay attention to ventilation, prevent rodent damage, and prevent mildew and deterioration.