Effect of Tanning Method on Chemical Characteristics of Ostrich Leather

This research was conducted in Animal Science Research Institute of Iran for determination of the effects of tanning method of ostrich skin on chemical characteristics of the leather. A total number of 12 pieces of ostrich hide prepared and each 4 skin pieces assigned to each of chrome, vegetable and alum tanning methods. Chemical characteristics of the leathers included fat content, water-soluble matter, water-soluble organic matter, sulphated water-insoluble ash, minerals, nitrogen, protein and pH were determined. Amount of fat in vegetable leathers was higher than chrome and alum leathers but water-soluble material, water-soluble organic material and sulphated water-insoluble ash in alum and vegetable leathers were same and higher than chrome leathers. In addition, higher amounts of nitrogen, protein and pH measured in chrome, alum and vegetable leathers, respectively. Six and four percent increase of fat and decrease in nitrogen, protein and pH in vegetable leathers is considerable compared with alum and chrome leathers. Significant positive correlation among fat with water soluble material, sulphated water-insoluble ash and negative correlation with nitrogen and protein in different leathers were achieved. There was higher correlation between mineral of the leather with all of the chemical characters other than pH. Due to some different chemical characters of the leather for vegetable tanning method practical evaluations are imperative using effective material and optimization of the method. Moreover, in spite of probable risks for the environment and tanning workers, the chrome method is the most appropriate method of ostrich skin tanning yet.