The Alai sheep is a dual-purpose breed of domestic sheep which was originated from Kyrgyzstan.
Today it is mainly found in the southern part of the country and raised for both meat and wool production.
It is a fat rumped breed, and was developed in the early twentieth century from Kirgiz Fat-rumped crossed with Precoce and Sary-Ja breeds. Read some more information about this sheep breed below.
Alai Sheep Characteristics
The Alai sheep are medium to large sized animals. They are generally white in color, sometimes with spots on the legs and heads.
The ewes are always polled, but the rams can be either horned or polled. Average body height of the mature rams is around 83 cm at the withers, and around 82 cm for the ewes.
Average live body weight of the mature ewes is around 60 kg. And the Alai rams on average reach around 100 kg at maturity. Photo and info from Wikipedia.
Uses
The Alai sheep are dual-purpose animals. They are raised for both meat and wool production.
Special Notes
The Alai sheep are very hardy animals, and they are well adapted to their native environments.
They are specifically well adapted to the living conditions of the Alay Valley region which is around 3 km above sea level.
Today, the breed is raised as a dual-purpose animal and good for both meat and wool production. The wool is semi-coarse and generally used in carpet.
The ewes are good mothers, and generally have a litter over one lamb per litter.
Total population of the Alai sheep breed has decreased from 300,000 to 200,000 from 1992 to 2002. However, review full breed profile of the Alai sheep in the following chart.
| Breed Name | Alai |
| Other Names | None |
| Breed Purpose | Meat and wool |
| Special Notes | Hardy and strong animals, well adapted and do well in their native climate, today found mainly in the Alay Valley region, specifically well adapted to the living conditions of the Alay Valley, dual-purpose animals, raised for both meat and wool production, good quality meat, produce carpet quality wool, the ewes are good mothers |
| Breed Size | Medium to large |
| Weight | Mature rams average live body weight is around 100 kg, and the mature ewe’s average live body weight is around 60 kg |
| Horns | Ewes are always polled, but the rams are either horned or polled |
| Climate Tolerance | Native climates |
| Color | Mainly white, occasionally with sports on the heads and legs |
| Rarity | Common |
| Country/Place of Origin | Kyrgyzstan |
