May 11
11
Grading Ostrich Skins
Ostrich Skins provide significant revenue potential when ostrich farming, but only if the quality is acceptable to the market.
The different stages of selling ostrich skins discussed the various stages ostrich skins are sold/traded – such as green, crust or finished. Reference was made to grading. What are the different grades?
The grades depend on the stage of production and the markets the ostrich skins are supplying.
Raw Skins Grading standards:
In our current markets these transactions are generally because the volumes are small and the trader will be consolidating sufficient skins to ensure a viable consignment for shipment. These types of shipments are usually across international borders. In this situation grading is kept as simple as possible and will be along these lines:
Grade 1 – Top Price
Reasonable condition with
No major defects
No holes
No feather pecking
Grade 2 – Lower Price
Some Defects
No holes
No serious feather pecking
Grade 3/Reject – Little or No Payment
Severe scaring
One or more holes
Not cut properly, poor shape
Feather pecked
Other conditions that influence grading and therefore the price of the skins:
Well cured (poor curing can be reason for downgrade or rejection)
Skins free from any bacterial damage.
Minimum and Maximum size determined by buyer
Correct opening lines as shown here, unless the buyer provides different instructions. Poor shape can result in downgrade or rejection
Maturity of Follicle Development – incorrect stage of maturity maybe reason for downgrade by one or two grades
Crust or Finished Skins Grading Standards:
Once skins have completed the tanning process the blemishes are graded more strictly.
Grade 1
At least three quarters must be free from any defects.
One defect, (excluding a hole), in any one of the quarters, if it is no larger than 40mm in diameter
Grade 2
At least two continuous quarters must be free from any defects
Grade 3
At least one quarter must be free from defects
Grade 4
A skin of which the grading falls outside the norm for a third grade skin, but where the affected crown area is no larger than 25% of the total crown area
The affected skin area should not be larger than 50% of the total skin area.
Grade Five
A skin of which the affected crown area is smaller than 50% of the total crown area
The affected skin area should not be larger than 50% of the total area
Lesser Grade
Any skin of which the defects are worse than those defined in Grade 5
For more detailed information on ostrich grading can be found at the World Ostrich Association and NOPSA web sites along with definitions of defects.
Grading based on skin quality forms the basis of the payment systems. Ostrich skins are a valuable contributor to the overall revenue of the bird. The commercial success of ostrich farming depends on optimising revenue opportunities, thus management systems at every stage of the production process need to ensure the ostrich skins are produced to the highest quality.
