Mechanical Damage:
- Cuts, Tears, and Holes: Rough handling, improper use of tools, and friction during transportation can cause cuts, tears, or holes in the hides. These damages affect the overall appearance and strength of the material.
- Scratches and Abrasions: Dragging hides and skins on rough surfaces, improper stacking, and collision with sharp objects can lead to scratches and abrasions on the surface.
- Skinning Damage: Improper skinning techniques, such as using dull knives, can result in cuts, holes, and even flaying damage to the hides.
Contamination:
- Dirt, Mud, and Manure: Dirty and contaminated hides can reduce the quality and value of the leather. Dirt can be difficult to remove during the processing stage.
- Chemical Spills: Exposure to chemicals, such as oil, grease, acids, or alkalis, can damage hides, causing permanent discoloration, spots, or degradation of the material.
- Pest Damage: Poor storage conditions can invite pests, such as insects and rodents, which may feed on or damage hides and skins.
Desiccation and Cracking:
- Exposure to Sun and Heat: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and high temperatures can dry out hides and skins, causing them to become brittle and susceptible to cracking.
- Insufficient Curing: Inadequate curing or failure to properly dry the hides can lead to cracking and stiffness.
Heat Damage:
- Excessive Heat: Overheating during drying or processing can cause the hides or skins to become brittle, shrink, or even scorch, resulting in reduced quality.
Moisture Damage:
- Exposure to Moisture and Dampness: Prolonged exposure to moisture or storage in damp conditions can cause mold, rot, and deterioration of the hides.
Improper Stacking:
- Uneven Stacking: Improperly stacking hides or skins during storage or transportation can cause pressure points and creasing, leading to deformation and potential tear lines.
Inadequate Protection:
- Lack of Packaging: Failure to properly package hides and skins can result in damage during transportation, such as scratches, tears, and contamination.
Poor Storage Conditions:
- Insufficient Ventilation: Lack of proper ventilation can trap moisture, leading to mold and mildew growth.
- Exposure to Pollutants: Storing hides near chemical fumes or corrosive substances can damage the material.
It is crucial for farmers, hunters, slaughterhouses, and individuals involved in the handling and processing of animal hides and skins to follow best practices and proper techniques to minimize damage. This not only ensures the highest quality of the leather but also increases the economic value and reduces losses.