Overview
ISO 11398:2012 - Raw ostrich skins - Description of defects, guidelines for presentation and grading on basis of defects provides standardized definitions and grading rules for raw ostrich skins. The standard describes types of defects (ante‑mortem, post‑mortem and genetic), identifies parasite, bacterial, viral and mycotic conditions that cause skin defects, and gives practical presentation and trimming guidance plus objective grading criteria (Grade 1–5 and rejects).
Key topics and requirements
- Defect classification
- Ante‑mortem defects: holes, cuts, scars, wounds, kick marks, brand marks, chemical burns, white spots, scabs, scratches, rough grain, bacterial damage, tick bites, pitting.
- Post‑mortem defects: processing cuts, tears, opening‑line defects.
- Genetically caused defects: abnormal grain definition, hair follicle anomalies.
- Health-related terms
- Definitions for external parasites (mite, tick), bacterial diseases (omphalitis, botulism, anthrax, necrotic/ulcerative enteritis, campylobacteriosis), viral diseases (Newcastle disease, avian pox, avian influenza) and mycotic diseases (aspergillosis, candidiasis) that produce skin defects.
- Quill and crown assessment
- Guidance on quill development (green, sunken, under‑developed quills) and how extensive under‑development affects grading. The crown (quill area) is divided into four quarters for evaluation.
- Presentation and trimming
- Neck trimming recommendation: cut approximately 170 mm from the quill/neck transition; leg trimming guidance referenced. Diagrammatic presentation (Figure 1) and quarter/division line widths (25 mm) are specified.
- Skin sizes and grading panels
- Size groups: A 130–155 dm², B 120–129 dm², C 100–119 dm², D 80–99 dm².
- Panel sizes used to differentiate Grade 4/5 (example for A size: Grade 4 panel 200×300 mm; Grade 5 panel 100×150 mm).
- Grade definitions
- Grade 1: at least four quarters free from defects.
- Grade 2: at least two quarters free.
- Grade 3: at least one quarter free.
- Grade 4/5 and rejects: determined using size‑specific defect‑free panels.
Applications and users
ISO 11398:2012 is used by:
- Ostrich farmers and abattoirs for on‑farm management and slaughter quality control.
- Leather graders, tanneries and quality assurance teams for objective sorting and pricing of raw ostrich skins.
- Exporters, importers and auction houses to standardize trade specifications and claims.
- Veterinary and breeding advisors to link skin defects to parasites, disease or genetic causes.
Practical benefits include consistent grading, clearer trade communication, improved yield forecasting, and more reliable quality control across the ostrich leather supply chain.
Related standards
Prepared by ISO/TC 120 (Leather), Subcommittee SC 1 (Raw hides and skins). For comprehensive leather sector compliance, use together with other ISO leather and animal‑husbandry guidance documents.
Open preview (PDF)Raw ostrich skins — Description of defects, guidelines for presentation and grading on basis of defects
