2006-08-30 11:07:15 · 27 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
It might have something to do with the lanolin in the wool. Which is removed before we get to use it. Lanolin is very greasy and water proof.
2006-08-30 11:12:51 · answer #1 · answered by angelcake 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If left for years without being shorn then their wool will felt (or cot).
It takes a fair bit of water and movement to get wool to felt, and the average farm sheep won't get enough of this over its time between shearings to make a noticable difference.
2006-08-31 13:24:06 · answer #2 · answered by smudgepuss 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I saw some tiny little sheep in the spring - so they must shrink!
2006-08-31 01:59:59 · answer #3 · answered by Phlodgeybodge 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they do. their cotton fibers shrink when it rains affecting their skin pattern and therefore shrinking their entire body. all their internal organs shirnk as well causing them to implode. that's why shepards never lead herds in the rain.
2006-08-30 18:13:34 · answer #4 · answered by jerse15 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
because the rain isn't hot enough to permanently convert the protein structure in their wool from alpha helix to beta pleted sheet (i knew that science degree would come in handy for something some day!)
2006-08-31 20:57:18 · answer #5 · answered by weatherwax1 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oils on their wool, plus, there isnt enough heat in the environment to replicate the conditions of a washing machine and/or dryer....
2006-08-30 18:12:41 · answer #6 · answered by Yentl 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because the rain isn't hot enough.
2006-08-30 18:33:02 · answer #7 · answered by hi_patia 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sheep skin jackets
2006-09-01 15:58:28 · answer #8 · answered by Rosco C 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sheep? I thought they were low level clouds....
2006-08-30 18:15:51 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Because rain isn't hot.
2006-08-30 18:13:26 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋