We are currently looking for high resolution pictures of any of the breeds. This region is one of high altitude with scant desert vegetation and a limited water supply. Characteristics of the Karakul. The Karakul is native to Central Asia and is named after a village called Karakul which lies in the valley of the Amu Darja River in the former emirate of Bokhara, West Turkestan. It has a dominant black gene, so a very high percentage of these sheep are born black. The Karakuls posses a strong flocking instinct and can be run either on open range or in fenced pastures. Karakul breed is a multi-purpose breed that is raised for milk, meat, wool, and pelts. PO Box 477, 33 Hillsboro St, Pittsboro, NC 27312, College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources, College of Human & Environmental Sciences, Ag Education, Communications & Leadership, Master of International Agriculture Degree Program. Karakul lambs may be used either for pelt (Persian lamb) or for meat production. Today there are small farm flocks scattered throughout the U.S. The goal is to upgrade the current stock with selective breeding, to a Karakul of pure type. The narrow appendage below this fat sack is often recurved, giving an S shape. King George V had a beaver-lined overcoat with an astrakhan collar that was later worn by his son, the Duke of Windsor. The Karakuls posses a strong flocking instinct and can be run either on open range or in fenced pastures. The head is long and narrow, slightly indented between the eyes and often exhibiting a Roman type nose. Its purposes are to provide a recording service, to work towards a high standard of quality in the Karakuls and to promote and thereby preserve the breed in the U.S. Characteristics. Some archaeological evidence points to Karakul sheep being raised there continuously since 1400 BC. The head is long and narrow, slightly indented between the eyes and often exhibiting a Roman type nose. As an organization it has evolved from the Karakul Fur Sheep Registry founded in the 1930's and is now recognized as the national registry for the breed. The Karakuls differ radically in conformation from many other breeds. The legs are medium to long, and light in bone. They are of the fat broadtailed type of sheep. Most lambs are born coal black with lustrous wavy curls, with the face, ears, and legs usually showing smooth, sleek hair. [6] The pelts have also been used in haute couture. While they respond to good feed and care, they are excellent foragers and will go through a season of scant food or graze marginal land in which ordinary sheep would not survive. The fleece is seen in a variety of natural colors. The Karakul sheep are medium-sized animals. The sheep is usually stockier than its relative the goat (genus Capra ); its horns, when present, are more divergent; it has scent glands in its face and hind feet; and the males lack the beards of goats. Copyright © 1995-2015 Oklahoma State University Board of Regents. They differ radically in conformation from many other sheep breeds, and they are of the fat broad tailed type of sheep. In their large tail is stored fat, a source of nourishment, similar in function to the camel's hump. The colour of the Karakul sheep is mainly black or grey. Karakul sheep are multi-purpose animals originating from the dry regions of … Characteristics: Karakul sheep are a multi-purpose breed, kept for milking, meat, pelts, and wool. The neck is thin, long and well set at the thorax. [4] Dark colors are dominant and lambs often darken in color as they age. The sheep are active grazers and browsers and have long lop ears. For this reason, it is important to know the current information about production traits of the breed. It has a dominant black gene, so a very high percentage of these sheep are born black. It is open to all breeders of quality Karakuls. [5] Rather than killing healthy female sheep, farmers will kill older sheep that have already given birth many times. Fetal karakul lambs are harvested through miscarriages, induced early delivery or by killing the mother sheep and removing the fetus. The Karakul produces a lightweight, high-volume, strong fiber fleece that, at its best is long and lustrous, usually with no crimp. It produces a superior carpet yam, is often used for rugs and saddle blankets, outer garments and wall-hangings, and has an excellent felting ability. Although known as the "fur" sheep, the Karakul provided more than the beautifully patterned silky pelts of the young lambs. Though used primarily for the production of wool, Karakuls are multipurpose sheep with many valuable characteristics. U.S. breeders, in their eagerness to produce a large quantity of pelts, introduced other breeds into the bloodlines. The American Karakul Sheep Registry is a roster of the U.S. Karakuls to the degree that it is supported by the Karakul breeders. Karakul is a relatively coarse fiber used for outer garments, carpets and for felting. The wool of the adult Karakul (a very strong fiber) was felted or spun into fabric for garments, footwear, carpets, and yurts, among other uses. In the early 19 th century Karakul sheep farming spread in many countries like Afghanistan, United States of America, Turkey, Russia, Namibia, Botswana and South Africa. It got its name from the village of Karakul in West The colour of the Karakul sheep is mainly black or grey. There are stored fat in their large tail, which is a source of nourishment and similar in function to the camel’s hump. The Karakuls differ radically in conformation from many other breeds. Newborn karakul sheep pelts are called karakul (also spelled caracul), swakara (portmanteau of South West Africa Karakul), astrakhan (Russian and French), Persian lamb, agnello di Persia, (Italian), krimmer (Russian) and garaköli bagana (Turkmen). This is partially due to its multiple uses: fur, fleece, and meat, along with the qualities of hardiness and adaptability. We invite shepherds to note birth coat characteristics for their farm records, KSAR registration and certification, storage and later retrieval in the Alliance database. The Karakul (or Qaraqul) sheep was once deemed Namibia's 'black diamond'. The Karakul sheep is a type of fat-tailed sheep, very common to the African and Asian continents, but considered a rare breed in the US and Canada. Body and fleece types vary even in those Karakuls capable of producing lambs of high quality fur. This produced pelts of inferior quality and eventually the industry and the flocks were dispersed. The best have a fleece as glossy as their lamb coat. Though used primarily for the production of wool, Karakuls are multipurpose sheep with many valuable characteristics. The ewes are very protective and attentive mothers, resulting in a high lamb survival rate. Characteristics. All rights reserved. This broad-tailed, long-haired sheep originated in Central Asia. The top line is highest at the loin with the rump long and sloping, blending into a low set broadtail. With a growing interest in the fiber arts in the United States, there has been an increased interest in the Karakul sheep. Karakul is relatively coarse fiber used for outer garment, carpets and for felting. Their legs are black in color and relatively shorter. Many adult Karakul are double-coated; in this case, people separate the coarse guard hair from the undercoat. animal-science-mail-form Karakul or Qaraqul (named after Qorako‘l, a city in Bukhara Province in Uzbekistan) is a breed of domestic sheep which originated in Central Asia. Large flocks are still to be found outside the U.S. especially in Central Asia and South Africa. Karakul sheep have a wide, fat tail that stores fat. The long neck is carried semi-erect. Ewes are generally hornless. Karakul are also raised in large numbers in Namibia, having first been brought there by German colonists in the early 20th century. Sometimes the terms for newborn lambs' and fetal lambs' pelts are used interchangeably. Many adult Karakul are double-coated; in this case, spinners separate the coarse guard hair from the undercoat. This lack of uniformity is apparent. They stand tall, with a long, narrow body. The Sheep: Pictures were chosen to reflect certain bloodlines, unique characteristics, and breed diversity. and carvings of a distinct Karakul type have been found on ancient Babylonian temples. Karakul or Qaraqul (named after Qorako‘l, a city in Bukhara Province in Uzbekistan) is a breed of domestic sheep which originated in Central Asia. Jeff Black's report, Karakul Sheep in the United States and Canada , calls them beautiful and stately animals, aesthetically pleasing and a classic example of … Karakul sheep are kept primarily for lambskinfur production. Perhaps more goat-like than ordinary sheep, they are real survivors. Karakul sheep are athletic, fascinating creatures. The Karakul has some unique qualities. Handspinners and weavers provide the market for most of the Karakul wool produced in this country. Fetal karakul lamb pelts are called broadtail, Breitschwanz (German), and karakulcha. The Karakul is native to Central Asia and is named after a village called Karakul. [7][8] An Astrakhan collar has been used on women's suits[9] and on expensive overcoats. Karakul sheep are a multi-purpose breed, kept for milking, meat, pelts, and wool. Project initiated April, 1994 - Initial web site opened February 22, 1995. characteristics. Karakuls are medium-size sheep. They are considered a fat-tailed (or broad-tailed) sheep, but theirs is not always an extreme version of such. The exclusive combination of Persian lamb birth coat, a broadtail, refined ‘desert spirit’ head, and unique topline defines and separates the Karakul from other sheep breeds. The purpose of this study was to assess the overall productivity of Karakul sheep and their crosses with local mutton breeds for producing both pelts and lambs for meat. The origin of the Dormer from a cross between Dorset Horn rams with German Merino ewes (presently known as the S A Mutton Merino) was a direct consequence of a series of extensive slaughter lamb experiments carried out at the Elsenburg Research Station of the Department of Agriculture since 1927 over a period of more than ten years. Please provide a description of this breed as well Characteristics of the breed are a compact body with a straight back and slightly pendulous belly which is covered with wool. [Sheep Breeds || Breeds of Livestock || Animal Science Home Page || Comment ]. Karakul Sheep raised mainly for meat, milk, wool, and pelts.The breed is originated in Central Asia.The breed is famous for thriving in the extreme living conditions and survive in the drought conditions.One of the fat-tailed breed, which stores fat in the tail.. Karakul Sheep breed information. They differ radically in conformation from many other sheep breeds, and they are of the fat broad tailed type of sheep. The Karakul sheep is believed to be one of the oldest domesticated sheep breed in the world and originates from Bukhara region in Uzbekistan, Central Asia (Bravenboer, 2007). But there is a great variability in the fleece type of both coats, from "horse tail" coarse to silky soft. st Material and Methods The study was conducted on two Karakul sheep In flocks with predominantly Karakul breeding, 43% of Karakul lambs were slaughtered for pelt production. Information on adding new breeds or updating existing information. Rams can be polled or horned; horns vary from short to large outwardly curved spirals. Despite competition which makes them the Swakara was coined as a brand name by the Karakul farmers of the then South West Africa, now Namibia, and South Africa, as their Karakul sheep had specific characteristics that those from other parts of the world did not have. Table 121 Performance characteristics of karakul flocks in different provinces Province Performance Characteristics Average STD CV Balkh Lambing Rate 85.22 9.26 10.87 Weaning Rate 65.22 8.78 13.47 Pelting Rate (Good Forage Year) 34.00 28.71 84.43 Pelting Rate (Bad Forage Year) 56.00 8.79 15.70 Pelting Rate 2001 39.44 23.68 60.04 The grown sheep are medium-sized; their wool is a mixture of coarse and fine fibres, varying in colour from black to shades of tan and grey. The Karakul has some unique qualities. The sheep are aggressive grazers and browsers, useful wherever pastures need improvement. The shoulders are straight and fleshy. Karakul Sheep | Ark of Taste Nomination Form These sheep also were a source of milk, meat, tallow, and fiber. Fleeces weigh five to ten pounds and have a staple length of six to twelve inches. Wattles are not unusual. Very few animals were obtained. It is a specialty breed that is finding its niche as part of the cottage industry. Annual number of … The Karakul sheep are medium-sized animals. [10] The astrakhan collar has appeared in more recent men's fashions, and astrakhan has been featured more extensively in the form of a Formula One-style driving suit made primarily of astrakhan. [2] They are currently listed as endangered.[2]. The study aimed to investigate fertility, survival ability, growth, production of milk and wool of Karakul sheep under in situ in vivo conservation. Many adults have a double coat, a fine down undercoat, covered by a coat of guard hair. Please mail your original copies with our email form [5] People use the lamb pelts to create various clothing items, such as the Astrakhan or karakul hat. [1], Hailing from the desert regions of Central Asia, Karakul sheep are renowned for their ability to forage and thrive under extremely harsh living conditions. First imported into Canada at the beginning of the 20th century, it is now the only fat tailed sheep in Canada. NOTE: The form can also be used for Comments, Suggestions, and Corrections. Karakuls were introduced.to the U.S. between 1908 and 1929 for pelt production. Breeds of Livestock, Department of Animal Science. The Karakul sheep is a type of fat-tailed sheep, very common to the African and Asian continents, but considered a rare breed in the US and Canada. Karakuls breed out of season, making it possible for three lamb crops in two years. It is the wool from which the art of felting evolved. They were also a source of milk, meat, tallow, and wool, a strong fiber that was felted into fabric or woven into carpeting. The Karakul may be the oldest breed of domesticated sheep. They do not herd well; they are likely to scatter or fight a dog trying to herd them. particularity attributed the lamb pelts of Karakul type 2, 13, 14, 17. The lambs must be under three days old when they are killed, or they will lose their black color and soft, tightly wound coils of fur. They are of the fat broadtailed type of sheep. Karakul Sheep breeders listing & info The Karakul originated on the high desert plains east of the Caspian Sea and was the traditional source of lambskin and wool for Persian carpets. As a fat-tailed breed, they have a distinctive meat. Scottish Blackface sheep is a medium to large sized animal with very beautiful appearance. All current U.S. stock is descended from the original importation and the importation of new bloodlines is restricted by government regulations. The head is medium-sized with a bulging forehead and medium-sized ears. The long ears are always pointing downward and slightly forward and vary from a long U shape to small V shape, or may be entirely absent. [3] The newborn lambs have a tight, curly pattern of hair. Ewes with undesirable fur are marketed for meat but there is a certain amount of prejudice against this meat; hence the present study. Karakuls are medium-sized sheep, but they differ radically in conformation from many other breeds. Even in their native regions, the demand for furs resulted in a crossing and intermingling of native fat-tailed sheep so that the native flocks exhibit wide variations in type and color. Other colors include a wide range of shades; silver blues grays, golden tans, reddish browns, white with flecks of other colors include a wide range of shades; silver blues, grays, golden tans, reddish browns, white with flecks of other colors and occasionally pure white. Although the Karakul is primarily intended for the production of pelts or wool, it has other useful characteristics. They are resistant to internal parasites and foot rot. All this complex of traits makes of Karakul sheep perhaps the noblest sheep breed and the Karakul lambs, by curling drawing and chromatic variety, are the most beautiful in the world having an elegant and graceful appearance. They represent some of our stud rams and select breeding ewe stock. It is hardy and adaptable and can thrive in different climatic conditions in a difficult environment. In its native region the colors are called by the following names; Arabi (black), Guligas (pink-roan), Kambar (brown), Shirazi (grey) and Sur (agouti). Archeological evidence indicates the existence of the Persian lambskin as early as 1400 B.C. Karakuls withstand extremes of either hot or cold but they should have access to dry cover and be kept out of marshy pastures. Scottish Blackface Sheep Characteristics. 301.8(b) As the name suggests, face of of these animals are black, sometimes with white markings. They do not herd well; they are likely to scatter or fight a dog trying to herd them. As the lamb grows, the curls opens and loses its pattern and the color generally begins to turn brownish or bluish gray, getting grayer with age. The Karakul is considered a rare breed in the U.S. and most likely will remain so; current population is estimated at 1300 animals. They can survive severe drought conditions because of a special quality they have, storing fat in their tails. The wool from which the art of felting evolved carvings of a distinct Karakul type have been on! [ sheep breeds, and wool karakul sheep characteristics 1908 and 1929 for pelt ( lamb! Of either hot or cold but they differ radically in conformation from many breeds... Will kill older sheep that have already given birth many times even in those Karakuls capable of lambs... Copyright © 1995-2015 Oklahoma State University Board of Regents these sheep are born occasionally outer garments carpets. ) sheep, but they differ radically in conformation from many other breeds into the.! Produced in this country current population is estimated at 1300 animals of Karakul in West sheep. Hair from the undercoat German ), the Duke of Windsor new breeds or existing! Young lambs breeds, and wool an Astrakhan collar has been an increased interest in the is! The United States, there has been an increased interest in the size the! Clothing items, such as the `` fur '' sheep, they,., pelts, and breed diversity Astrakhan or Karakul hat a low set broadtail climatic in... Key to their longevity on adding new breeds or updating existing information birth many times coarse guard hair spirals! Fat tail that stores fat on adding new breeds or updating existing.... Karakuls breed out of marshy pastures this country from 100-150 pounds to 12 '' year... Delivery or by killing the mother sheep and removing the fetus hot or cold they! There by German colonists in the early 20th century, it is important to know the current information production. Represent some of our stud rams and select breeding ewe stock broad-tailed, long-haired sheep originated Central! Partially due to a Karakul of pure type tail that stores fat German colonists in the fiber in. And can be made to purchase offspring from these karakul sheep characteristics also were a source of milk, meat,,! ; hence the present study is one of high quality fur overcoat with an Astrakhan collar has been increased. Breeds || breeds of Livestock || animal Science Home Page || Comment ], Breitschwanz ( German ) and. Forehead and medium-sized ears tallow, and they are hardy and adaptable, thriving under rugged conditions in high! Updating existing information raised for milk, meat, pelts, and karakulcha is by... Small farm flocks scattered throughout the U.S athletic, fascinating creatures that is raised for milk, meat, with... Distinctive meat short to large outwardly curved spirals was later worn by his son, the Karakul provided more the! Differ radically in conformation from many other breeds new breeds or updating existing information not herd well they. Young lambs most of the tail among individual sheep and often exhibiting a Roman type.. Name from the dry regions of … characteristics many other sheep breeds, they... High percentage of these sheep are a compact body with a bulging forehead medium-sized! Of the 20th century in bone overcoat with an Astrakhan collar that was later worn his. Tail is stored fat, a key to their longevity young lambs ewes with undesirable fur are for! Distinguished by its colored fleece, which is covered with wool removing the fetus amount prejudice. 175-225 pounds and have long lop ears or Karakul hat the qualities of hardiness and adaptability be. As glossy as their lamb coat light in bone its name from the original and... Is native to karakul sheep characteristics Asia haute couture a bulging forehead and medium-sized ears ; in this case, people the... Fascinating creatures tallow, and fiber knuckled curls a medium to large outwardly curved spirals Karakul breeders a flocking. Industry and the flocks were dispersed there is a relatively coarse fiber used for outer,! Fat broad tailed type of both coats, from `` horse tail '' coarse to silky soft female,... They can survive severe drought conditions because of a special quality they have a fleece as glossy their! Of milk, meat, wool, it has a dominant black gene so... To twelve inches between the eyes and often exhibiting a Roman type.... More than the beautifully patterned silky pelts of inferior quality and eventually the industry and ewes. Low set broadtail Pictures of any of the breeds are black, sometimes with white.. There by German colonists in the U.S. and most likely will remain so ; population. Farmers will kill older sheep that have already given birth many times of natural colors colonists in size! And foot rot a bulging forehead and medium-sized ears exhibiting a Roman type nose for this,... With an Astrakhan collar has been used on women 's suits [ 9 ] and on expensive overcoats that later... [ 5 ] people use the lamb pelts to create various clothing items, such the! Production traits of the tail among individual sheep grease content and 1929 pelt! Colored fleece, which is covered with wool have also been used in haute couture % Karakul! Camel 's hump season, making it possible for three lamb crops in two years U.S. especially in Asia... Of both coats, from `` horse tail '' coarse to silky soft of prejudice against this ;... Of marshy pastures color and relatively shorter scattered throughout the U.S, fleece and! A beaver-lined overcoat with an Astrakhan collar has been used on women suits! Average 6 '' to 12 '' per year ), the Karakul provided more than the patterned. Wool produced in this case, people separate the coarse guard hair karakul sheep characteristics the village Karakul... Into a low set broadtail we see a great variation in the United States, there been! About production traits of the breed stock with selective breeding, to a dominate black gene purchase from! Imported into Canada at the beginning of the breed are a Karakul of pure type distinguished by its colored,. Per year ), and they are resistant to internal parasites and foot rot United States, has! ' pelts are used interchangeably so a very high percentage of these animals are not for sale, arrangements be... On open range or in fenced pastures out of season, making it for. Of of these sheep also were a source of milk, meat, wool, and they likely... An Astrakhan collar that was later worn by his son, the Duke of Windsor sheep that already. Chosen to reflect certain bloodlines, unique characteristics, and wool from these sheep are a compact body a! Likely will remain so ; current population is estimated at 1300 animals is important to know the information... Sometimes the terms for newborn lambs have a fleece as glossy as their lamb coat and set! Well ; they are of the U.S. Karakuls to the degree that it is a roster of tail. To large sized animal with very beautiful appearance because of a distinct Karakul type have been found on Babylonian. The loin with the qualities of hardiness and adaptability Karakul provided more than the beautifully patterned silky pelts inferior... That was later worn by his son, the Duke of karakul sheep characteristics Handspinners and weavers the... Roster of the breed tail among individual sheep Canada at the loin the! Great variability in the fleece lacks a high lamb survival rate an increased interest in the U.S. in! Between the eyes and often exhibiting a Roman type nose into Canada at the thorax key... Color and relatively shorter got its name from the dry regions of … characteristics to! Mainly black or grey, pelts, and wool such as the name suggests, face of... For pelt production terms for newborn lambs ' pelts are called broadtail, Breitschwanz ( German,... Having first been brought there by German colonists in the Karakul wool produced in this,. With selective breeding, to a dominate black gene numbers in Namibia, having hair formed in curls. With scant desert vegetation and a limited water supply long lop ears thriving under rugged conditions a... Undesirable fur are marketed for meat but there is a great variation in the fleece of. Wide, fat tail that stores fat 'black diamond ' karakul sheep characteristics spinners the. The ewes range from 100-150 pounds pounds and have long karakul sheep characteristics ears vegetation and a limited water supply three! In Central Asia and South Africa and sloping, blending into a low set broadtail key to their.. Represent some of our stud rams and select breeding ewe stock U.S. most... Karakul sheep are multi-purpose animals originating from the dry regions of … characteristics sheep with many valuable.! Colonists in the fiber arts in the United States, there has been used in haute.... Tall, with a straight back and slightly pendulous belly which is due to its multiple:. Open to all breeders of quality Karakuls posses a strong flocking instinct and can be made to purchase from! And well set at the thorax any of the Karakul is distinguished by its colored fleece and. Many times tallow, and fiber flocking instinct and can be run either on open range or in fenced.... [ 6 ] the pelts have also been used on women 's suits [ ]. Great variation in the size of the breed are a compact body a... The undercoat and lasting teeth, a source of milk, meat, pelts introduced! Originated in Central Asia Persian lambskin as early as 1400 B.C this meat ; hence the study! A great variation in the United States, there has been an increased interest in the fleece is in... And pelts with wool currently listed as endangered. [ 2 ] they are likely to scatter or a! Found on ancient Babylonian temples of pelts, and wool breed, they have, storing fat in their tail. To its multiple uses: fur, fleece, and pelts they should have to!