Tensile Properties of Indigenous Kenyan Boran Pickled and Tanned Bovine Hide

Abstract

Boran cattle are predominant breeds in NE, a region that produces 70% livestock for meat Dark pigmentation; black points-protection from sunburns; smooth, loose but motile and shiny coat/skin-reflection solar radiation; reasonable large body, thick skin and well-marbled beef with even fat cover make this breed a promising source of beef and bovine hide for the production of quality leather. Leather by-products can raise more revenue compared to beef itself (FAO, 2007). Despite the large potential in this area, the economic impact is not yet felt. This has been attributed to poor quality of Kenyan leather on the world market Alongside animal breed & age, chemical modifications of processing also affects the quality