Gissar Sheep

(also known as Hissar sheep), a breed of coarse-haired, fat-rumped sheep used for meat and fat.

The Gissar sheep was introduced into Tadzhikistan by popular choice, that is, by the selection conducted by the local population or by anonymous folk-breeders. The rams are 80-85 cm high at the withers and the ewes 75-80 cm. The weight of the rams is 130-140 kg, not exceeding 190 kg; and of the ewes, 80-90 kg, not exceeding 150 kg. The sheep has a strong constitution, with a broad, deep chest; the breast bone protrudes forward. The head is massive, hook-nosed, with long, dangling ears. The sheep are hornless. On the sacral bones lies a large rump (18-20 kg), which stores fat. The predominating fleece color is brown of various shades. The animals are outstandingly precocious. By the time they reach six months, the rams weigh 60 kg or more. The slaughter yield is 58-60 percent. The fleece is coarse, with a large quantity of dry and dead hair; it is used for making coarse felt. The rams give 1.3-1.6 kg wool clip, the ewes 1.0-1.4 kg. The fecundity is 115-120 percent. The sheep are hardy and adapted to year-round pasture subsistence. The breed is raised in the Tadzhik SSR and adjacent parts of the Uzbek SSR.