Polarized Light Microscopy Digital Image Gallery

Baby Caracul Hair

A tremendous variety of sheep breeds have been developed throughout history in order to best meet human demands for the products they provide. The Karakul, which some believe to be the oldest breed of domestic sheep, is of Asian origin and was first introduced to the United States in the early twentieth century. Quite different in appearance than the familiar fluffy white animal that typically comes to mind at mention of the word sheep, adult members of the Karakul breed tend to have black coats, which often fade to gray or brown with age, due to a dominant black gene. The wool sheared from the adults is classified as carpet wool and is used in the fabrication of items such as saddle blankets and rugs. Karakul sheep are, however, primarily raised in order that the pelts of the very young lambs, which are covered in soft, deep black curls, may be obtained. When these pelts come from lambs two weeks to two months old, they are typically referred to as caracul, while the skins of even younger sheep are called Persian lamb or broadtail.


© 1995-2022 by Michael W. Davidson and The Florida State University. All Rights Reserved. No images, graphics, software, scripts, or applets may be reproduced or used in any manner without permission from the copyright holders. Use of this website means you agree to all of the Legal Terms and Conditions set forth by the owners.
This website is maintained by our
Graphics & Web Programming Team
in collaboration with Optical Microscopy at the
National High Magnetic Field Laboratory.
Last modification: Thursday, Nov 20, 2003 at 03:51 PM
Access Count Since November 20, 2003: 7363
Microscopes provided by:
Visit the Nikon website. Visit the Olympus Microscopy Resource Center website.