Spring is the ideal season for cashmere goat shearing due to its warm climate. This period allows for the most efficient and effective collection of high-quality cashmere fiber.
1. **Grab the Order**: The shearing process should follow a specific order based on body parts, starting from the head and ears, then moving gradually to the neck, shoulders, chest, back, waist, and thighs. It should also be organized by group—starting with adult ewes, followed by replacement ewes, then adult rams, and finally replacement rams. In terms of terrain, it’s best to start on flat ground before moving to areas on the front side of hills and then up the slopes. Timing is important too; shearing typically begins 10 to 15 days after the plants start to grow.
2. **Catch Clean**: The process usually involves two rounds. First, a coarse comb is used to remove undercoat hair (the longer fibers above the cashmere layer). Immediately after, the first round of shearing is done. About 15 days later, a second pass is made, during which the second shearing yields about 20% of the amount collected in the first round.
3. **Safety First**: Before shearing, sheep should be fasted for over 12 hours. Special care must be taken when shearing pregnant ewes, as rough handling can lead to miscarriage. Rams and breeding males should also be handled carefully to avoid aggressive behavior that could cause injury. Large skin abrasions or pressure can lead to internal bleeding, so caution is essential throughout the process.
4. **Use the Iron Comb**: An iron comb is an essential tool in cashmere shearing. There are two common types: one with 12–14 closely spaced steel teeth (about 0.5–1 cm apart), and another with 7–8 teeth spaced 2–2.5 cm apart. When using the comb, gently guide it through the fur, press it along the direction of the hair, and then pull it against the grain. The comb should stay close to the skin, and the force applied should be even to ensure a clean, efficient result.
5. **Ensure Quality**: After catching the sheep, gently tap them to remove any dirt, grass, or feces from their bodies. Place the sheep on a bundle of straw or a clean, dry surface before beginning the shearing. All participants should be gathered and briefed before the process starts. Additionally, separate the sheep by the color of their cashmere—white, green, purple, and brown—to maintain purity and quality in the final product.
By following these steps, you can ensure a safe, efficient, and high-quality cashmere shearing process that benefits both the animals and the end product.
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