Broadtail

Broadtail 

the pelts of prematurely born lambs (abortions during the last stage of pregnancy) or fetuses (taken from the wombs of pregnant ewes slaughtered for meat) of the Karakul breed of sheep. Broadtail has short, silky hair that lies close to the flesh side of the hide and a moiré pattern with curl not yet formed. The color is the same as that of karakul—black or various shades of gray or brown. Despite a flesh side that is less tough than that of karakul and their small size, broadtail pelts with a distinct moiré pattern are highly valued (almost on a level with the highest grades of karakul) and are in great demand. Broadtail is used to manufacture jackets, collars, and hats. The pelts of prematurely born lambs aged 140-145 days are called Persian lamb. These pelts are larger than those of broadtail and have hair that approximates that of karakul. It is a little less valuable than broadtail. (See references under KARAKUL.)