From Fleece to Grease

Sheep

Photo of sheepImagine if you had to live out in the fields in all weather like a sheep. You would get pretty grubby! When a sheep's fleece is removed to make wool it has to be washed.

As long ago as 1600BC people found that the water they used to wash wool fleece had a greasy layer on top. They collected it and found that it helps protect human skin, just like it helps protect the sheep. They also used it to water-proof tents!

The main ingredient in the grease from the wool is a material called lanolin.

Why?

questionWhy do you think sheep have this grease in their wool?

They don't shower | Sheep don't use shampoo | They roll around in the mud

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