ORIGIN OF THE WHITE MARITZA SHEEP

Doycho Dimov

Abstract: The origin of the White Maritza Sheep and the history of its development as clearly defined population different from other local breeds of sheep in the country are related to the history and development of sheep farming in Southern Bulgaria. In the past, sheep along the Maritza valley has been the subject of studies and descriptions of a number of bulgarian scientists and specialists. Along with descriptions of the exterior and the characteristics of their performance, some authors make assumptions and hypotheses about their origin. Survey of the literature showed that the views and opinions of various authors on the origin of local sheep breeds from the valley of the Maritsa are quite contradictory. It is important to understand from where this clearly defined population originates and that has breed characteristics - uniformity and constancy. In this paper a critical analysis and comments on opinions and assumptions by the various authors on the origin and the diversity of local sheep along the valley of the river Maritza has been made. The results from my own research and analysis of the identity and origin of the White Mariska sheep, as well as numerous photos has been presented. It is look for an answer to the question how long the White Maritza Sheep occurred as population with breed charachteristic. The characteristics of the exterior and the factors that have contributed to breed identity have been point out. Shepherds, owners of White Marirza sheep in the past and today are actually exist and operate group of people for which the White Maritza Sheep is “their own breed” that is above all other breeds and plays collective identity of their community. In the minds of the shepherds, breeders of the White Maritza Sheep there is a common ideal of the most beautiful and most productive ewes to which they are aspired by means of selection. This is the most important breed-forming factor that has contributed to the establishment of the White Maritza Sheep as a unique local sheep breed. Formation of an ideal that can be shared by a group of people and transmitted from generation to generation is a complex socio-economic and spiritual process. This ideal that breeders of White Maritza sheep bear in mind has deep historical roots. Perhaps hundreds of years, generations of sheep breeders are led very successfull selection on certain exterior and productive traits inherent in the desirable type of sheep, resulting in a unique genetic resource in Bulgaria today.

Keywords: assumptions; opinions; origin; sheep breed; white Maritza

Date published: 2023-03-09