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Published on 12th June 2021 by staff

Algarve Churro Sheep

Algarve Churro Sheep

The Algarve Churro is a breed of sheep that was developed in Southern regions of Portugal. This is a very rare variety of domesticated breed that are mainly raised for meat production.

Physical Characteristics Most of the Algarve Churros are white with black spots on the feet, head and face; males grow to a height of about 95 cm at the withers, while the females are 85 cm
Personality TraitsDocile, tamable, prolific
Wool ColorDense fleece; rarely the hair is dark
Horn StatusBoth male and female have horns
UsesMostly for meat (also for wool)
Lifespan/Expectancy10-12 years
Litter Size1.2 (average)
Weight (size)Ram: 75 kg;
Ewe: 55 kg
DietGrass, stubble of cultivated crops, tree leaves, fodders and grains
Country of OriginPortugal

History

The Algarve Churro sheep was developed from the sheep breed ‘Andalusian Churro’. It was imported in the latter half of the 19th century – between 1870 and 1890. However, in recent times, there has been a decrease in their population.

In 1996, the population count was higher than 23,000, while in less than a decade’s time, it went down to around 1300 in 2004.

Distribution

The Algarve Churro sheep are primarily found and bred in Faro, a region in Portugal.

Meat and Wool Production

Although known for their production of fine quality wool, they are primarily bred for mutton. Their meat is popular for being tender and tasty with good nutritional value. An adult, healthy Algarve Churro can produce about 50-56 kg of meat.

While a lamb of age 30 weeks would yield 1.35 kg wool, an average adult sheep would produce around 2 kilos.

Algarve Churro Sheep Pictures
Algarve Churro Sheeps

Kidding

The female Alvarge Churros are marginally fertile and prolific, and can give birth to up to 3 lambs at a time. At birth, the body weight of a lamb is approximately 4 kg for singles, 3.3 for twins, and 2.8 for triplets. Most of them attain an average weight of 26 kilos by the time they are 30 weeks old.

Algarve Churro Sheep Photos
Algarve Churro Sheep Images

Interesting Facts

  • About 10% of these sheep are completely black.
  • The wool from this breed of sheep is specially known to be a fine material for making expensive carpets.
  • The word ‘churro’ means ‘coarse wool’ in Portugese.

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