American Karakul Sheep
Basic Information:
Scientific Name: Ovis aries karakul
Habitat of Origin: High-altitude deserts of Central Asia. Now they are mainly found in the United States.
Diet: Grains, grasses, and vegetables
Weight: The rams will weigh between 175-225 pounds and the ewes range from 100-150 pounds.
Distribution Map:
I.U.C.N. Distribution Status:
What does this mean?
Least Concern – a species determined by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (I.U.C.N.) to be pervasive, abundant, and thriving.
Our Karakul Sheep:
Evalyn (Female)
Lenore (Female)
About Karakul Sheep:
The Karakul breed originated from sheep in Central Asia, and its name comes from the village of Kara Kul (or Black Lake), near what is now Tajikistan. Some archeological artifacts indicate that the breed has been raised there since 1400 BCE.
lthough known as the “fur” sheep, the Karakul provided more than the beautifully patterned silky pelts of the young lambs. They were also a source of milk, meat, tallow, and wool, a strong fiber that was felted into fabric or woven into carpeting.
The harsh conditions under which they evolved has given them strong and lasting teeth, a key to their longevity. They are resistant to internal parasites and foot rot. 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. Karakuls withstand extremes of either hot or cold but they should have access to dry cover and be kept out of marshy pastures.*
Did You Know?!
- The Karakul is one of approximately 1,200 breeds of domestic sheep.
- The Karakul Sheep takes its name from the village of Karakul located in Tajikistan in Central Asia.
- The Karakul sheep was introduced in the United States between 1909 and 1929. Karakul wool is prized because it comes in various colors, is easily spun, and is excellent for felting due to its low lanolin content.
- The Livestock Conservancy recognizes the American Karakul sheep as a Heritage breed of Threatened status, which indicates that less than 5,000 animals exist globally.
- Due to extensive cross-breeding, the American Karakul Sheep is considered genetically different that any Karakul sheep that still exist in Central Asia.