Baluchi sheep explained

Baluchi
Also Known As:Baluchi dumda, Mengali, Taraki, Shinwari, Araghi, Farahani, Kermani, Khorasani, Khurasani, Naeini, Neini, Yazdi
Country:Pakistan, Iran, Afghanistan
Use:Wool
Femaleweight:35sigfig=2NaNsigfig=2
Woolcolor:Black, white
Facecolor:Black

The Baluchi is a domesticated breed of sheep originating from now southwest Pakistan, Baluchistan, eastern Iran and southern Afghanistan. It is a member of the fat-tailed breed.[1] The Baluchi is raised primarily for wool.[2]

Characteristics

This breed is well adapted to arid, subtropical areas in eastern Iran.[1] They are good foragers.[2]

The Baluchi displays black and white with black marks on the head and legs. Ewes weigh 35kg (77lb) on average at maturity, lactate for approximately 120 to 130 days and provide 35to of milk during this period.[2]

Body weight in lambs tends to decline from weaning age to 12 months of age due to no longer being fed by their mother and having to gather food for themselves.[3]

Body weight differences between single sheep and twin sheep are greater at birth and before weaning, but those differences tend to decrease after weaning. This is because twin sheep have to share their mother's milk.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Baluchi. Breeds of Livestock. Oklahoma State University, Dept. of Animal Science. 2009-05-14.
  2. Web site: Baluchi/Afghanistan. Breed data sheet. Domestic Animal Diversity Information System. 2009-05-14.
  3. Yazdi. M. H.. Eftekhari-Shahroudi. F.. Hejazi. M.. Liljedahl. L. -E.. 1998-01-12. Environmental effects on growth traits and fleece weights in Baluchi sheep. Journal of Animal Breeding and Genetics. en. 115. 1–6. 455–465. 10.1111/j.1439-0388.1998.tb00367.x.