Monitoring and trends for development of Rhodope Tsigai sheep

Tsonka Odjakova

Abstract: The aim of the study is to analyze, evaluate and determine the dynamics and development of the Rhodope Tsigai breed. Information from the pedigree books of the controlled part of the population and the reports of the ”Association for Breeding of Central Rhodope, Karakachan, Rhodopean Tsigai sheep” were used. An analysis was made of the geographical distribution, the dynamics of the number of controlled animals, the possibilities for reproduction, the size and the age structure of the breed, and the selection characteristics – live weight, wool yield, wavelength and biological fertility at the age of 2.5 years, were studied. ”Association for Breeding of Central Rhodope, Karakachan, Rhodopean Tsigai Sheep” carries out selection and control of 9542 ewes, female ewes and rams. The farms with herd sizes between 70 and 250 animals form the largest part. The controlled sheep are reared in 53 farms in 4 districts in the mountainous and foothill regions of Southern Bulgaria.

Keywords: breeding; fertility; live weight; Rhodope Tsigai; state of the breed; wool yield

Date published: 2022-12-21