| Algerian Arab sheep | |
| Country: | Algeria |
| Use: | Meat |
| Maleweight: | 81sigfig=2NaNsigfig=2 |
| Femaleweight: | 49sigfig=2NaNsigfig=2 |
| Maleheight: | 84sigfig=2NaNsigfig=2 |
| Femaleheight: | 74sigfig=2NaNsigfig=2 |
| Horns: | Rams are horned and the ewes are polled (hornless) |
| Note: | Adapted to live in arid climates |
Algerian Arab sheep (also called Ouled Jellal and Western Thin-tailed) is a breed of domesticated sheep found throughout Algeria.[1] This breed does grow a carpet-grade wool, and is raised primarily for meat.[2]
The rams are horned and the ewes are polled (hornless).[1] Both sexes display white and are unicolored. At maturity on average, rams weigh 81sigfig=2NaNsigfig=2 and have a height of 84sigfig=2NaNsigfig=2 at the withers. Ewes, on average, weigh 49sigfig=2NaNsigfig=2, grow to 74sigfig=2NaNsigfig=2 at the withers and average 1.5 lambs per litter. Ewes lactate for approximately 180 days and provide 75sigfig=2NaNsigfig=2 of milk to their offspring during that period.[2]
The Algerian Arab have long legs that are well suited for walking for extended periods of time. This breed is well adapted to live in arid climates. From 1989 to 2003, the population increased from approximately 10 million to 11 million.[2]
This breed is believed to have evolved from the Tadmit sheep in Algeria.[3]