subject: Organic Wool, Amazing Characteristic Of Organic Wool Bedding. [print this page] Organic wool is wool which is produced in accordance with federal standards for organic livestock production. Federal requirements for organic livestock production include:
Livestock feed and forage used from the last third of gestation must be certified organic;
Use of synthetic hormones and genetic engineering is prohibited;
Use of synthetic pesticides (internal, external, and on pastures) is prohibited, and
Producers must encourage livestock health through good cultural and management practices. (OTA)
One of the most important characteristics of the natural wool is the ability to insulate and retain air without blocking air circulation. This process can be easily explained. Wool's crimp naturally creates a textile volume which is help to retain heat and at the same time wool textile is completely breathable. This unique ability of wool to adjust the air temperature has been known many centuries ago.
Another distinctive characteristic of organic wool is ability to absorb excess moisture, then gradually releases it into the air. Wool is able to absorb approximately 1/3 of it's own weight.
Wool is also naturally static electricity resistant. This feature is conditioned by wool's ability to absorb moisture and then this moisture conducts static electricity.
Wool is known to be naturally flame retardant. Unlike most synthetic fiber, wool has low rate of flame spread and low heat of combustion. It means that wool products provide a high safety environment.
To resume all above facts, organic wool is:
Eco friendly
Fire retardant
Hypoallergenic
Moisture absorbent
Heat retainer
Completely breathable
Static electricity resistant
Mildew resistant
Water resistant
Mite resistant
Most of organic wool comes from New Zealand and Australia. The finest organic wool comes from Merino sheep, which are organically raised.
What other breeds of sheep are used in organic wool production?
1.The lead breeds identified in the survey by number were: Columbia, Navajo-Churro, Rambouillet, Rambouillet/Suffolk Cross.
Why does organic wool cost more than conventional wool?
1.Organic wool production involves high costs of certification, management and labor practices.
2.Organic wool production is a small scale industry and it can't use the same conditions as large scale non-organic wool industry.
3.Federal organic standards for livestock production prohibit overgrazing. If the price of wool is low, the difference cannot be made up by simply increasing production per unit of land, as is commonly practiced by many livestock. (OTA)
