Algarve Churro is a domesticated breed of sheep in Portugal,[1] native to Algarve.[2] It is primarily raised for its meat, although it also produces and is raised for carpet wool.[3][4] Traditionally, it was also raised for its milk, used in cheesemaking, and for vegetation management. In subsistence agriculture, the traditional uses of the breed persist.[5][6]
.jpg) Ram showing its spiralled horns | |
| Other names | Churra Algarvia |
|---|---|
| Country of origin |  Portugal |
| Use | Mainly meat, but also wool and sometimes milk for cheese |
| Traits | |
| Weight |
|
| Height |
|
| Skin color | White with black spots |
| Wool color | White 10% have black wool |
| Face color | White with black spots |
| Horn status | Both sexes are horned |
| |
Characteristics edit
Most of the Algarve Churro are white with black spots on the feet and head. However, about 10% of the population are completely black.[1] The fleece is mostly confined to the neck and trunk of the animal, leaving the head, lower legs, and belly exposed.[7] The staples are 20–30 cm (7.9–12 in) in length and are pointy and open.[2][7]
Both sexes have ridged horns, although the horns are smaller and less developed in ewes, in rams they project outward in wide spirals.[1][2][7]
The animals are known for their large statue, lively temperament, and general hardiness.[5] Mature rams grow on average to 95 cm (37 in) at the withers and weigh 75 kg (170 lb). However, ewes grow to an average 85 cm (33 in) at the withers, weighing 55 kg (120 lb) at maturity.[3]
Although not a variety of fat-tailed sheep, the animals have long tails which are broad at the base.[6][7]
History edit
This breed, according to some sources, originated from Andalusian Churro which were imported between 1870 and 1890.[1] However, according to other sources, they are an autochthonous variety of the Iberian Churro, the Andalusian varieties being native to large stretches of Spain contiguous with the Portuguese breed's historical range and processing similar characteristics.[5][6] They are mainly found in the district of Faro.[1][4] Traditionally, they were raised for their lean but flavourful meat, milk for cheesemaking, and wool for mattress-filling.[2] They were also commonly raised for vegetation management and to reduce produce waste.[5][6] The population of this breed has been decreasing. In 1996, there were greater than 23,000 and in 2004, there were greater than 1300.[3] According to the DGAV (Direção geral de allmentação e veterinária), a 2019 studbook registered purebred adults, listing 64 rams and 1626 ewes.[6]
References edit
- ^ a b c d e "Algarve Churro". Breeds of Livestock. Oklahoma State University, Department of Animal Science. Archived from the original on 4 November 2008. Retrieved 8 May 2009.
- ^ a b c d "Churra Algarvia Sheep". Slow Food Foundation for Biodiversity. Archived from the original on 21 January 2024. Retrieved 20 January 2024.
- ^ a b c "Churra Algarvia/Portugal". Breed data sheet. Domisticated Animal Diversity Information System. Archived from the original on 21 January 2024. Retrieved 8 May 2009.
- ^ a b "Algarve Churro Sheep Characteristics, Uses & Origin". Roy's Farm. 6 November 2023. Archived from the original on 21 January 2024.
- ^ a b c d "Churra Algarvia - História". www.ovinosecaprinos.com (in Portuguese). Archived from the original on 21 January 2024. Retrieved 20 January 2024.
- ^ a b c d e "Churra Algarvia" (PDF). Direção geral de allmentação e veterinária (in Portuguese). Archived (PDF) from the original on 21 January 2024. Retrieved 20 January 2024.
- ^ a b c d "Churra Algarvia - Padrão da Raça". www.ovinosecaprinos.com/ (in Portuguese). Archived from the original on 21 January 2024. Retrieved 20 January 2024.
External links edit
- Churra Algarvia (in Portuguese). Archived (21 January 2024).
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