The Awassi sheep is a popular breed of domestic sheep. It is a dairy sheep breed and is the most widely distributed non-European dairy sheep breed. The breed is known by many other different names in many different parts around the world. It is also known as Syrian, Baladi, Shami, Arab, Deiri, Ivesi and Gezirieh. The breed is usually white in coloration with brown head and legs.
The Awassi sheep breed has contributed to the development of several modern sheep breeds. Among these breeds, the Assaf, Israeli Awassi, Neimi, Pak Awassi and Shafali are common. As a dairy sheep breed, Awassi is very good for producing milk. At the same time these animals are also reared for meat and wool.
The Awassi sheep has good resistance to many diseases and parasites. They can walk long distances over pastures for grazing. And can tolerate extreme temperatures. And all the qualities have made them excellent breed to raise on farms for commercial sheep farming business.
Origin and history of Awassi Sheep
The Awassi sheep is a traditional breed and its exact origins are unknown. They are believed to have originated in the historic region of Mesopotamia (the area between the Euphrates and Tigris rivers, no in modern Iraq and Syria). Name of the breed is thought to derive from that of Al-ʿAwās, a Bedouin tribe of northern Syria.
Currently, the Awassi is the most widely distributed non-European dairy sheep breed and is the most numerous sheep breed of south-west Asia. It is also the principal sheep breed of Iraq and Syria, and the only indigenous sheep of Israel, Jordan and Lebanon.
According to Wikipedia “It is reportedly present in eighteen countries in Africa, Asia and Europe, with a total population estimated in 2024 at 2.85 million head. The largest population is reported by Turkey, where the Ivesi numbers approximately 1.7–2.9 million head; other substantial populations are in Palestine (over 360000) and Lebanon (about 200000). A population in Syria of approximately 13.5 million head was reported in 2006.”
Characteristics
The Awassi sheep is a medium sized breed with white body coloring and brown head and legs. Their face may be white, grey, black or spotted. And a solid-colored brown or black coat occasionally occurs. Their facial profile is convex and they have pendulous ears. The rams are normally horned. While the ewes are more often polled. Average height of the mature rams is around 76 cm at the shoulders, and around 50 cm for the ewes. Average body weight of the mature Awassi rams is around 70 kg. And the mature ewes generally weigh around 68 kg.
Dietary Requirements
Feeding the Awassi sheep with good quality and nutritious food is the most important part of their caring. Like many other domestic sheep breeds, they eat grass, hay and grains. Provide them vitamins and minerals to keep them strong and healthy. Always provide them with enough clean and fresh drinking water as per their demand. Avoid feeding them contaminated food and polluted water.
Housing Requirements
Arrange a good and secure housing system for your sheep to keep them healthy and happy. Try to make the house comfortable for them by providing them straw or hay inside the house as bedding. Ensure the availability of enough space inside the house, and also ensure 10-15 square feet housing space per animal. Clean their house on a regular basis and maintain good hygiene.
Reproduction
Like many other domestic sheep breeds, the Awassi sheep are also naturally very good breeders. They generally reach maturity and become ready for breeding when they reach about 1 year of age. They will breed easily and produce offspring if you keep good ratio of rams and ewes in your flock. Generally, one mature breeding ram is enough for breeding around or up to 25 ewes. Average gestation period of these sheep is around 145 to 150 days. Lambing is easy and the ewes are excellent mothers.
Caring
The Awassi sheep are extremely strong and hardy animals, and they generally require less caring and other management. Although, taking good care of them will help them to stay healthy and active. So, try to take good care of them. Feed them well balanced and nutritious food. Make good housing system for them. Vaccinate them timely and monitor their health on a regular basis. Keep good contact with a vet, and ask him/her immediately if you notice anything uncommon in your farm.
Price
Exact price of the Awassi sheep depends on numerous factors and vary greatly from place to place. Average price of a mature sheep in the USA is between $500 to $2000. But the price is much cheaper in their native region.
Lifespan
Average lifespan of the Awassi sheep is between 10 to 12 years.
Uses
The Awassi sheep is mainly used as a dairy sheep breed. Although, it is very good for meat and wool production purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Awassi sheep good for?
The Awassi is a dairy sheep breed and very good for milk production. But the breed is also good for producing meat and wool.
Do Awassi sheep need shearing?
Yes, they need shearing. They are generally shorn once a year.
What are the disadvantages of the Awassi sheep?
The main disadvantage of the Awassi sheep is their reproduction rate. They are seasonal breeders and the ewes generally lamb just once a year. And they usually give birth to just on lamb in most cases.
How much milk does an Awassi sheep produce daily?
Average milk production of the Awassi ewes is around 1 liter per day.
Are Awassi sheep good mothers?
Yes, the Awassi sheep are good mothers. They generally take good care of their infant sheep or lambs.
