The Ruda sheep is a breed of domestic sheep. It is a breed of wool sheep which is mostly found in Albania and Croatia. And it is the most endangered breed of sheep in the Republic of Croatia in 2009.
The breed may be related to the Romanian Tsigai sheep, and today it is raised mainly for wool production.
Some people say that, these animals perhaps are derived from the Romanian Tsigai. But the primary breed may be the Kivircik of Turkey.
The primitive type of fleece structure discovered in the present study suggests instead that such sheep represent a relic of an ancient fine wool with a generalized medium type of fleece. However, read some more information about the Ruda sheep breed below.
Ruda Sheep Characteristics
The Ruda sheep are a small to medium sized animal with very beautiful appearance. They can have white or blond wool with a pink colored skin.
Their head is usually white in color and they have white spots on their body and head. They can be either horned or polled.
Average body height of the mature rams is around 25.6 inches at the withers, and about 21.6 inches for the ewes.
Average live body weight of the mature Ruda rams is around 48 kg. And the mature ewes on average weight around 38 kg. Photo and info from Wikipedia.
Uses
The Ruda sheep is a wool sheep breed. It is raised mainly for the production of wool.
Special Notes
The Ruda sheep are pretty strong and hardy animals. They are well adapted to low temperatures. And they are good for mountain grazing system.
Currently it is the most endangered breed of domestic sheep in the Republic of Croatia.
The breed is mainly raised for wool production, but it is also pretty good for meat production. However, review full breed profile of the Ruda sheep in the following chart.
| Breed Name | Ruda |
| Other Name | None |
| Breed Purpose | Mainly wool |
| Special Notes | Very hardy and strong animals, well adapted to low temperatures, good for mountain grazing, mainly used for wool production but also good for meat |
| Breed Size | Small to medium |
| Weight | 38-48 kg |
| Horns | Yes or polled |
| Climate Tolerance | Native climates |
| Color | White or blond wool with a pink colored skin |
| Rarity | Common |
| Country/Place of Origin | Albania, Croatia |
