The Balkhi is a domesticated
breed
A breed is a specific group of domestic animals having homogeneous appearance (phenotype), homogeneous behavior, and/or other characteristics that distinguish it from other organisms of the same species. In literature, there exist several slig ...
of
sheep found in
Afghanistan and
North-western Pakistan. This breed is of the fat-tailed mutton type.
[
] Though this breed does grow
wool, it is primarily raised for
meat
Meat is animal flesh that is eaten as food. Humans have hunted, farmed, and scavenged animals for meat since prehistoric times. The establishment of settlements in the Neolithic Revolution allowed the domestication of animals such as chic ...
.
[
]
Characteristics
The Balkhi displays black, tan or grey. They yield approximately of coarse wool with an average 43.5 micrometre diameter. This breed has a low fiber density.
The ears are somewhat long, the body is muscular and compact. The tail is fat and tucked.
Both sexes are horned.
On average at maturity, rams weigh and ewes . Rams grow to approximately and ewes at the withers. Ewes lactate for about 105 days and produce of milk on average during this period. At birth, rams weigh and ewes weigh .
References
{{sheep-stub
Sheep breeds originating in Afghanistan
Sheep breeds originating in Pakistan