Explain the processes involved in wool production.
The process of obtaining wool is as follows:
1. Shearing - Shearing is the first step in processing fibre into wool. It is the removal of the fleece of the sheep along with a thin layer of the skin. Shearing is done with the help of mechanical shears and is usually done by hand.
2. Scouring - Scouring is the process of washing the sheared hair to remove dirt and unwanted substances.
3. Sorting - Sorting is done after scouring to separate hair of different textures and types. This is to separate the low and good quality fibres.
4. Dyeing - Since the natural fibres are mostly black, brown or white in colour they can be dyed in various colours.
5. Drying - In this process, wool is put through rollers to squeeze out as much water as possible. Then it is weighed and packed into bales.