In Pakistan, raising sheep is a vital part of rural life and economy, with an estimated 30 million sheep currently in the country. Pakistan boasts a variety of sheep breeds, each adapted to the diverse climates of different regions. In this article, we will explore the characteristics of twelve famous sheep breeds found in Pakistan.
1. Balkhi Sheep
Balkhi sheep is a domestic breed found in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region of Pakistan, as well as in the neighbouring regions of Afghanistan. Mostly raised for meat, Balkhi sheep also provide wool. They typically have black, grey, or brown coats, and both males and females have horns. The weight of these sheep can reach up to 70 kilograms. Particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the meat of Balkhi sheep is highly favoured, leading to the presence of roasted Balkhi lamb prominently displayed in markets in Peshawar and surrounding areas. Balkhi sheep is one of the most famous sheep breeds in Pakistan.
2. Balochi Sheep
The Balochi sheep, originating from eastern Iran and southern Afghanistan, was introduced to Pakistan in the Balochistan region. In contrast to Balkhi sheep, Balochi sheep are mostly raised for wool production. Also known by various other names like Mengali, Teraki, Shinwari, Farahani, Khurasani, and Yazdee. The colour of Balochi sheep can be black, white, or occasionally brown. They often have a black facial colouration. The average weight of this breed is around 35 kilograms. Balkhi sheep is most suitable for dry sub-tropical regions of Pakistan.
3. Bibrik Sheep
The Bibrik sheep is a breed raised in the province of Balochistan for meat production. Bibrik sheep have a white or light brown coat, while their heads consistently exhibit a black or brown colour. The weight of Bibrik sheep can reach up to 40 kilograms. Both males and females have horns, with the males’ horns curving backwards. In addition to meat, Bibrik sheep can provide valuable wool. Bibrik ewes typically give birth to only one lamb and produce approximately 40 kilograms of milk in 100 days.
4. Cholistani Sheep
The Cholistani sheep breed is native to the provinces of Punjab and Sindh in Pakistan. While it also yields wool, it is primarily raised for meat. During the religious festival of Eid-ul-Adha in Pakistan Cholistani sheep are more expensive than other famous sheep breeds. Cholistani sheep have a white coat, and their heads are black or brown. The weight of males can reach up to 50 kilograms, while females can weigh up to 35 kilograms. Cholistani ewes give birth to one lamb and can produce approximately 45 litres of milk in 100 days. In recent years, the global population of Cholistani sheep has decreased.
5. Damani Sheep
The Damani sheep breed is native to the districts of Dera Ismail Khan and Bannu in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. These sheep are raised for both meat and wool. The weight of adult males can reach 32 kilograms, while females can weigh up to 27 kilograms. Damani ewes give birth to one lamb and can produce up to 80 litres of milk during their lactation period of 120 days. According to a 1986 study, the population of Damani sheep was 1 million, but by 2006, it had decreased to around 0.6 million.
6. Kajli Sheep
The Kajli sheep is a breed originating from the Punjab province of Pakistan, and it is sometimes also referred to as the Mandra Sheep. It is one of the most famous sheep breeds in Pakistan mostly found in Punjab cities like Sargodha, Gujranwala, Lahore, and Faisalabad. This breed is also famous in several regions of India. Kajli sheep are raised for meat, milk, and wool. They exhibit desirable traits at a young age.
7. Kooka Sheep
The Kooka sheep is a breed found in various regions of Pakistan and India. People raise Kooka sheep for both wool and meat. They can produce up to three kilograms of wool in a year. In terms of milk, a Kooka sheep can yield up to one litre per day. These sheep are mostly white, with black or deep-coloured heads.
8. Lohi Sheep
Lohi sheep breeds are not only found in Punjab, Pakistan but it is famous in India as well, specifically in the states of Indian Punjab, Rajasthan, and Haryana. They are valued for their high-quality wool, often used to produce fine woollen garments and carpets. The colour of Lohi sheep is mostly white. The weight of adult males can reach up to 65 kilograms, while females can weigh up to 45 kilograms. These sheep can yield up to one litre of milk in a day. Lohi sheep are characterized by long ears, and they do not have horns.
9. Waziri Sheep
Waziri sheep is a breed originating from the Waziristan region of Pakistan, often referred to as Wazir Dumba. Additionally, these sheep are found in significant numbers in the Bannu district. Waziri sheep are small in size, mostly white with blackheads. Their weight is modest, reaching up to 25 kilograms.
10. Latti Sheep
Latti sheep, also known as the Salt Range sheep breed. These sheep are found in Pakistan, particularly in the districts of Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Sargodha, and Mianwali. These sheep are white, and they yield around five kilograms of wool per annum. Latti sheep have relatively small ears and are raised for both meat and wool.
11. Kachhi Sheep
Kachhi sheep is a breed native to the Tharparkar and Rann of Kutch regions in the Sindh province of Pakistan. These sheep are of medium size, mostly white, with black or brown heads. They often have small ears, and brown spots are common on their legs.
12. Buchi Sheep
Buchi sheep are a breed originating from the southern regions of Punjab, Pakistan, including areas such as Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Bahawalnagar, Multan, and parts of Cholistan. These sheep are well-suited to dry and hot climates, displaying resilience to water scarcity. They are of medium size, mostly white, although black-spotted and black-coloured individuals are also found. Buchi sheep are raised for both meat and wool.
Also Read: 15 Most Popular Goat Breeds in Pakistan
Frequently Asked Questions
In Pakistan, some of the most famous sheep breeds include Kajli, Lohi, Cholistani, Kachhi, and Balochi. Each breed has unique characteristics that make them well-suited to various regions and purposes.
Kajli sheep are known for their distinctive black-and-white colouration. They are medium-sized with compact bodies and are primarily raised for meat production. Additionally, Kajli sheep are well-adapted to the arid climates of Pakistan and are valued for their hardiness and ability to thrive in challenging environments. All the above characteristics make the Kajli sheep one of the most famous breeds in Pakistan.
Lohi sheep are recognized for their white, long, and coarse wool. They are a dual-purpose breed, meaning they are suitable for both meat and wool production. Furthermore, Lohi sheep breeds are robust and well-adapted to the diverse climates of Pakistan, making them famous among farmers for their versatility.
Kachhi sheep are well-adapted to the hot and arid climates of southern Pakistan. They are primarily raised for meat production and are recognized for their high growth rate and resilience. Therefore, The breed plays an important role in the livestock sector by providing a sustainable source of meat and supporting the livelihoods of many farmers in the region.
