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Animal Fibre - Definition, Examples, Types, FAQs

Animal Fibre - Definition, Examples, Types, FAQs

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 04:53 PM IST

Q- Animal fibres are ?

Animal fibres are the natural fibres which contains largely of certain proteins. Examples of some natural fibre includes hairs/ fur ( also including wool), silk and feathers are also included in fibres. The animal fibres that are used generally in both i.e. in the world of manufacturing and also the fibres that are used by the hand spinners are wool obtained from domestic sheep and silk.

This Story also Contains
  1. Q- Animal fibres are ?
  2. Q- Examples of animal fibres ?
  3. Q- What is animal fibre ?
  4. Types of animal fibres

Also very popular are mohair and alpaca fibre that are obtains from Angora goats. Unusual fibres like Angora wool that are obtains from rabbits and Chiengora which are obtains from dogs also exist, but these both types of unusual fibres are not used for mass production. As we can easily understand that all animal fibres have not the same properties, and even within a same species the fibres are not consistent. Merino is a kind of very soft, contains fine wool, but Cotswold is coarser and yet both of them i.e. Merino and Cotswold are types of sheep.

This comparison can also be studied with the help of microscope at microscopic level, that help in comparing the diameter and structure of the obtained fibres. In respect to animal fibers and natural fibres, generally individual fibres are different, while all synthetic fibers are same in shape. This characteristic are very useful to differentiate between natural and synthetic fibers through a microscope. Natural animal fibres example is sheep wool. From animal fibres, animal fabric are made.

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Animal fibres images

Animal fibres images

Silk and wool

Silk and wool

Q- Examples of animal fibres ?

Silk is a type of natural protein fiber, some forms of silk can also be woven into textiles. The best-known type of silk is the one that is obtained from cocoons formed by the larvae of the silkworm i.e. Bombyx mori when reared in captivity. Rearing of silks is known as sericulture. Degummed fibres that are obtains from B. mori are 5-10 μm in diameter.

The shimmering appearance due to which the silk always be in high demand comes from the fibres of triangular prism- like cross-sectional structure that allows silk cloth to refract incoming light at different angles. The length of the silk fibre mainly depends on the fact that how it has been prepared. As in case of cocoons, the cocoon is made up of one strand, if the cocoon will unwound carefully then the fibres will be very long.

Q- What is animal fibre ?

Animal fibres are the natural fibres which contains largely of certain proteins. Examples of some natural fibre includes hairs/ fur ( also including wool), silk and feathers are also included in fibres. Spider silk known as the strongest natural fibre till now. Amazing fact about the strongest dragline silk is that this silk is five times stronger than steel and three times tougher than Kevlar. It also contains high elastic property, the silk obtains from ogre-faced spider can be stretched six times from its original length without any damage.

Till 2005, there was no synthetic material produced that can contains the property of spider silk, but it was actively being used by the U.S. military for applications such as body armour, manufacturing of parachutes and manufacturing of ropes. Genetically engineered goats had been raised for the production of spider silk in their milk which costs at around $1,500 per gram.

Q- Which animal gives us wool?

Ans: Sheep

Types of animal fibres

Wool

Wool is also a fibre that derived from the fur of animals belonging to Caprinae family, generally sheeps, but the hair of certain species of other mammals like goats, rabbits and alpacas also known as wool.

Alpaca

Alpaca fibre i.e. raised from alpacas. It is warmer in comparison to sheep's wool and also lighter in weight. Its properties includes that it is soft, glossy and fine, and luxurious. The thickness of this quality fibre varies between 12-29 micrometers. Most of the alpaca fibers are white in colour, but it is also availablen in various shades of brown and black.

Related topics,

Angora

Angora wool also known as Angora fibre refers to the down coat that are produced by the Angora rabbit. There are many variations in Angora rabbits – like it can be English, German, France, and can be Giant. Angora is very popular due its softness, it contains thin fibres of diameter 12-16 micrometers that makes it a quality fibre, and what knitters known to be a halo. The fibre will felts very easily. Angora fibre are generally in white, or in black, but also be in various shades of brown. Bison fibres known to be the soft undercoat of the American Bison.

The functiom of the coat of bison is to protect them during harsh winter conditions, and it consists of mainly a coarse shiny overcoat, a short and dense undercoat, and a coarse bulky midcoast. The undercoat comprises of fine and hollow guard hairs (having an average diameter of 59 micrometers) and down fibres (having an average 18.5 micrometers). Downy fibers are mainly chosen for textile applications. Bison fibres are of grey or red-brown and its length is about 2.5 cm.

Cashmere

Cashmere wool is a type of wool that is obtained from Cashmere goat. Cashmere main characteristic is that it has luxuriously soft fibres with properties like high napability and loft. If looking for a natural goat fibre then we can considered Cashmere, but it must be under 18.5 micrometers in diameter and with a minimum length of 3.175 centimeters. It is to be noted that they are providing a natural light-weight insulation without bulk. Fibres are highly adaptable and can be easily converted into fine or thick yarns, and it can also be in light to heavy-weight fabrics.

Also, students can refer,

Mohair

Mohair is a type of silk-like fabric and yarn made from the hairs of the Angora goat. Its main properties includes that it is both durable and resilient. It is prized for its high luster and amazing sheen, and is most often used in fibre blends for the addition of these qualities to a textile. Mohair can also takes dye exceptionally well.

Sheep's wool

Wool contains mainly two qualities that distinguish it from hairs or fur and the qualities are that it contains scales which overlap like shingles on a roof and it is also crimped and the other property is that in some fleeces the wool fibres can have more than 20 bends within a inch. Wool shows variations in diameter from below 17 micrometers to over 35 micrometers. The better the wool, the softer it will be but in case of coarser grades they are more durable and less prone to pilling.

Qiviut

Qiviut is also a fine underwool obtains from muskox. Length of Qiviut fibres are about 5 to 8 cm, and length of fine fibres are between 15 to 20 micrometers in diameter, and are relatively very smooth. It is approximately eight times warmer than that of sheep's wool and also it does not felt or shrink. Hand spinners generally use fibre from animals like camels, llamas, possums and yak. These fibers are mainly used in clothing purposes. Hairs that are obtains from animals such as horses is also an animal fibre.

Horsehair also plays an important role in formation of brushes, the bows of musical instruments and many more things. Along with the mink hair, it's also a common choice for an eyelash extensions and similar cosmetics. The best artists uses brushes that are made from Siberian weasel, many other fibres are also used for this purpose including ox hair and hog bristle. Camel-hair brushes are generally made from squirrel, cheaper brushes are from pony. Chiengora is type of dog hair. Wool from a wide range of animals that can be used for making handicrafts and garments.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do animal fibers differ from plant fibers?
Animal fibers are protein-based, while plant fibers are cellulose-based. Animal fibers tend to be more elastic, warmer, and more moisture-absorbent than plant fibers. They also have different chemical structures and properties, which affect their uses and care requirements.
2. What is the chemical composition of most animal fibers?
Most animal fibers are primarily composed of proteins. The main protein in hair and wool fibers is keratin, while silk fibers are made of fibroin. These proteins give animal fibers their unique properties, such as strength, elasticity, and heat retention.
3. How do animal fibers respond to moisture compared to synthetic fibers?
Animal fibers generally respond differently to moisture compared to synthetic fibers:
4. How do animal fibers behave when exposed to heat?
When exposed to heat, animal fibers typically:
5. What are some common misconceptions about animal fibers?
Common misconceptions about animal fibers include:
6. What is felting, and why does it occur more easily with animal fibers?
Felting is a process where fibers interlock and mat together, creating a dense fabric. It occurs more easily with animal fibers, especially wool, due to their scale-like surface structure. When exposed to heat, moisture, and agitation, these scales open up and interlock with each other, causing the fibers to mat together irreversibly.
7. What is the difference between cashmere and regular wool?
Cashmere comes from the undercoat of Cashmere goats, while regular wool typically comes from sheep. Cashmere fibers are much finer (about 15-19 microns in diameter) compared to regular wool (typically 25-40 microns). This makes cashmere softer, lighter, and warmer than regular wool, but also more delicate and expensive.
8. How do animal fibers contribute to thermoregulation in clothing?
Animal fibers, especially wool, have excellent thermoregulation properties. They can absorb moisture without feeling wet, which helps regulate body temperature. The crimp in wool fibers creates small air pockets that trap heat, providing insulation. Additionally, some animal fibers like wool are naturally breathable, allowing excess heat and moisture to escape.
9. How does the diameter of animal fibers affect their properties?
The diameter of animal fibers significantly affects their properties. Finer fibers (smaller diameter) are generally softer, more flexible, and provide better insulation. Coarser fibers (larger diameter) are typically stronger and more durable. For example, fine merino wool is softer and warmer than coarser wool varieties.
10. What are some environmental considerations in the production of animal fibers?
Environmental considerations in animal fiber production include:
11. What are animal fibers?
Animal fibers are natural protein-based fibers derived from animals. They are composed of proteins like keratin or fibroin and are used to make textiles and other materials. Examples include wool from sheep, silk from silkworms, and mohair from goats.
12. Why are animal fibers considered polymers?
Animal fibers are considered polymers because they are made up of long chains of repeating molecular units (monomers). In the case of animal fibers, these monomers are amino acids linked together to form protein molecules. This polymer structure contributes to the fibers' strength and flexibility.
13. How does the molecular structure of animal fibers contribute to their biodegradability?
The molecular structure of animal fibers, being protein-based, makes them biodegradable. Proteins can be broken down by naturally occurring enzymes and microorganisms in the environment. The absence of synthetic chemical bonds in these natural polymers allows for easier decomposition compared to many synthetic fibers.
14. How does the chemical structure of keratin contribute to the properties of wool and hair fibers?
Keratin, the primary protein in wool and hair fibers, has a complex structure with many disulfide bonds between cysteine amino acids. These bonds give the fibers strength, elasticity, and resilience. The keratin structure also allows for moisture absorption and release, contributing to the fibers' comfort and temperature-regulating properties.
15. What is the difference between primary and secondary animal fibers?
Primary animal fibers are the main, coarser outer hairs of an animal, while secondary fibers are the finer, softer undercoat:
16. What are the main types of animal fibers?
The main types of animal fibers include:
17. How does the structure of wool contribute to its properties?
Wool's structure consists of overlapping scales (cuticles) on the surface and a complex internal structure. This gives wool its unique properties such as elasticity, crimp (waviness), and the ability to trap air, making it an excellent insulator. The scales also contribute to wool's water-repellent and felting properties.
18. What makes silk different from other animal fibers?
Silk is unique among animal fibers because it's not a hair fiber but a filament fiber. It's produced by silkworms as a continuous strand, unlike wool or other animal hair fibers which are staple fibers. Silk is composed of fibroin protein, giving it a smooth texture, high tensile strength, and lustrous appearance.
19. What is lanolin and why is it important in wool?
Lanolin is a waxy substance naturally produced by wool-bearing animals, particularly sheep. It coats wool fibers, providing natural water-repellency and protection. Lanolin is important because it contributes to wool's moisture-wicking properties and helps maintain the fiber's flexibility. It's also extracted for use in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
20. How do animal fibers absorb dyes compared to synthetic fibers?
Animal fibers generally absorb dyes more readily than synthetic fibers due to their protein structure. The amino acid chains in animal fibers have many sites that can form chemical bonds with dye molecules, allowing for deeper, more colorfast dyeing. This is why animal fibers often produce richer, more vibrant colors than synthetics.
21. What are some emerging technologies in animal fiber production and processing?
Emerging technologies in animal fiber production and processing include:
22. What is the significance of the scales on wool fibers?
The scales on wool fibers, called cuticles, are significant because they:
23. How does the protein structure of silk differ from that of wool?
Silk's protein structure differs from wool in several ways:
24. What is the role of crimp in wool fibers?
Crimp refers to the waviness of wool fibers. It plays several important roles:
25. How do animal fibers compare to synthetic fibers in terms of fire resistance?
Animal fibers generally have better fire resistance compared to many synthetic fibers:
26. What is the importance of amino acid composition in animal fibers?
The amino acid composition of animal fibers is crucial because it determines:
27. How do animal fibers contribute to sustainable fashion?
Animal fibers contribute to sustainable fashion in several ways:
28. What is the significance of the micron measurement in animal fibers?
The micron measurement in animal fibers refers to the diameter of the fiber and is significant because:
29. How do animal fibers interact with the skin, and why is this important?
Animal fibers interact with the skin in several ways:
30. What are some unique properties of less common animal fibers like qiviut or vicuña?
Less common animal fibers often have unique properties:
31. How does the structure of animal fibers affect their dyeing properties?
The structure of animal fibers affects their dyeing properties in several ways:
32. What role do animal fibers play in technical and industrial applications?
Animal fibers have various technical and industrial applications:
33. How do animal fibers compare to plant fibers in terms of environmental impact?
The environmental impact of animal fibers compared to plant fibers varies:
34. What are the main chemical treatments applied to animal fibers and why?
Main chemical treatments for animal fibers include:
35. How do animal fibers contribute to the concept of circular economy in textiles?
Animal fibers contribute to the circular economy in textiles through:
36. What are the main factors affecting the quality of animal fibers?
The main factors affecting animal fiber quality include:
37. How do animal fibers behave under tension and compression?
Under tension and compression, animal fibers typically:
38. How do animal fibers interact with different types of dyes?
Animal fibers interact with different dyes in various ways:

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