Gansu Alpine Fine Wool sheep is a breed of domestic sheep which was originated from China.
It was developed by crossing Tibetan or Mongolian sheep with Xinjiang Fine-wool and then with some fine-wool sheep breeds from Russia (such as Caucasian and Salsk).
The breed was actually developed in the Huangchen District of Gansu Province, China. It is well adapted to it’s local climate which is located in the pastoral area of the Qulian Mountains.
The Gansu Alpine Fine Wool sheep was one of a number of fine wool sheep breeds in China.
It is also known by some other names such as the Northwestern Chinese Merino or North-West China Merino. Today the breed is raised primarily for wool production. Read some more information about this Chinese sheep breed below.
Gansu Alpine Fine Wool Sheep Characteristics
The Gansu Alpine Fine Wool sheep are medium sized animals. Both rams and ewes are unicolored and white. And both rams and ewes may have horns.
The ewes usually have scurs or small horns, and the rams have spiral shaped horns. On an average, the rams are about 78 cm tall at the withers and the ewes around 65 cm.
Average live body weight of the mature Gansu Alpine Fine Wool ewes is around 40 kg. And the mature rams on average weight around 75 kg. Photo and info from sheep101 and Wikipedia.
Uses
The Gansu Alpine Fine Wool sheep are wool sheep breed. They are raised mainly for wool production.
Special Notes
The Gansu Alpine Fine Wool sheep are very hardy animals. They are well adapted to their local climates.
They are able to adapt to the harsh climate and weather conditions of their native area Huangchen District of Gansu Province. The ewes on average mature at their 18 months of age. And the rams usually mature at their 24 months of age.
The lambs are strong, and their average birth weight is 4.2 kg for rams and 4 kg for ewes. The ewes produce 1.3 lambs per litter throughout their lifetime.
Wool of these animals is of good quality which is 60-64s. However, review full breed profile of this breed in the following chart.
| Breed Name | Gansu Alpine Fine Wool |
| Other Name | Also known by some other names such as the Northwestern Chinese Merino or North-West China Merino |
| Breed Purpose | Mainly wool |
| Special Notes | Very hardy animals, especially well adapted to local climates, able to adapt to the harsh climate and weather conditions of native area, good quality wool |
| Breed Size | Medium |
| Weight | Mature rams body weight is around 75 kg, and mature ewe’s body weight is around 40 kg |
| Horns | Yes |
| Climate Tolerance | Native climates |
| Color | White |
| Rarity | Common |
| Country/Place of Origin | China |
