Awassi sheep

Description

Awassi sheep are widely distributed in the Middle East with a range covering Israel, southwest Iran, southern Iraq, Syria and northeast Arabia. These are fat-tailed sheep known mainly for their meat and coarse wool along with dairy potential.

The average, traditionally maintained mature ewe weight is between 40 and 50 kg. Rams have
Ethiopia Sheep and Goat Productivity Improvement Program large horns and ewes are polled.

Awassi rams and ewes were imported in 1980, 1984 and 1994 from Israel to be crossed with the Menz sheep at Amedguya and Debre Birhan sheep breeding and multiplication centers. Reports show that 87.5, 75 and 50% crosses were distributed to farmers through the extension program of the then Ministry of Agriculture

Farmers seemed to prefer Awassi crosses over crosses with fine wool-bearing exotic sheep like the Hampshire and Corriedale.The reason for farmers’ preference is presumed to be the phenotypic similarity of Awassi crosses to the local sheep along with their larger size and ability to produce substantial amounts of carpet type wool which was very useful for local cottage industries.