OVCHEPOLIAN SHEEP - BRED IN MACEDONIA
Date Issued
2022-12
Author(s)
Elena Eftimova
Pacinovski Nikola
Mateva Natasha
Abstract
One of the three local breeds of sheep that is bred and is
under the protection in Macedonia is the Ovchepolian
sheep. The interest of breeders over the past years is
stable, and the number of heads bred from this breed
is increasing. The aim of this research was to give a
picture of the breed itself, some productive features
and its importance.
The data presented in this paper are obtained as
a result of field research within the program for
protection of biodiversity in our country over several
years. They are part of the reports of the Macedonia
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy.
The average weight of rams is up to 45 kg and of
ewes is up to 35 kg. The color of its hair is often white,
sometimes mixture of white and black, and sometimes
they are completely black. Rams have well-developed
and large horns, while sheep do not have horns or they
have significantly smaller horns. The average lactation
length in this sheep was 6 months, the average
milk lactation was 50 - 60 liters and the average
daily amount of milk was 0.3 liters. The percentage
of fertility was 100 - 110%. Macedonia ratified the
Convention on Biological Diversity in 1997, and in
2004 adopted the first National Biodiversity Strategy
with an action plan. Since then has been started with
an effective protection to stop the loss of biodiversity.
In sheep breeding, the only domestic breed that will
be protected is the Ovchepolian sheep. After the
determination of the farms during 2003, from 2013
until today, this breed is continuously monitored and
financially supported by the state. The financial support
is 9 euros/per head yearly. The annual monitoring
includes 26 - 30 farms, with about 8,000 heads of all
categories, but new herds are also explored, where
it is determined whether they meet the criteria for
financial support. Because the Ovchepolian sheep is
characterized by low productivity that directly affects
the financial stability of stock raiser, endowment of the
same is of particular importance. At the same time, it
makes a significant contribution to the conservation of biodiversity in our country. Until the number of heads
increases from 9,999, when the breed will no longer be
valued as endangered, intensive activity is needed in
its maintenance and appreciation.
Because the Ovchepolian sheep is characterized by
low productivity that directly affects the financial
stability of stock raiser, endowment of the same is
of particular importance. At the same time, it makes
a significant contribution to the conservation of
biodiversity in our country. Until the number of heads
increases from 9,999, when the breed will no longer be
valued as endangered, intensive activity is needed in
its maintenance and appreciation.
under the protection in Macedonia is the Ovchepolian
sheep. The interest of breeders over the past years is
stable, and the number of heads bred from this breed
is increasing. The aim of this research was to give a
picture of the breed itself, some productive features
and its importance.
The data presented in this paper are obtained as
a result of field research within the program for
protection of biodiversity in our country over several
years. They are part of the reports of the Macedonia
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy.
The average weight of rams is up to 45 kg and of
ewes is up to 35 kg. The color of its hair is often white,
sometimes mixture of white and black, and sometimes
they are completely black. Rams have well-developed
and large horns, while sheep do not have horns or they
have significantly smaller horns. The average lactation
length in this sheep was 6 months, the average
milk lactation was 50 - 60 liters and the average
daily amount of milk was 0.3 liters. The percentage
of fertility was 100 - 110%. Macedonia ratified the
Convention on Biological Diversity in 1997, and in
2004 adopted the first National Biodiversity Strategy
with an action plan. Since then has been started with
an effective protection to stop the loss of biodiversity.
In sheep breeding, the only domestic breed that will
be protected is the Ovchepolian sheep. After the
determination of the farms during 2003, from 2013
until today, this breed is continuously monitored and
financially supported by the state. The financial support
is 9 euros/per head yearly. The annual monitoring
includes 26 - 30 farms, with about 8,000 heads of all
categories, but new herds are also explored, where
it is determined whether they meet the criteria for
financial support. Because the Ovchepolian sheep is
characterized by low productivity that directly affects
the financial stability of stock raiser, endowment of the
same is of particular importance. At the same time, it
makes a significant contribution to the conservation of biodiversity in our country. Until the number of heads
increases from 9,999, when the breed will no longer be
valued as endangered, intensive activity is needed in
its maintenance and appreciation.
Because the Ovchepolian sheep is characterized by
low productivity that directly affects the financial
stability of stock raiser, endowment of the same is
of particular importance. At the same time, it makes
a significant contribution to the conservation of
biodiversity in our country. Until the number of heads
increases from 9,999, when the breed will no longer be
valued as endangered, intensive activity is needed in
its maintenance and appreciation.
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