Najdi sheep
The Najdi or Nejdi is a breed of domestic sheep native to the Najd region of the Arabian Peninsula. Though it is primarily raised in Saudi Arabia, Nadji sheep are also present in Kuwait, Jordan, Oman, and Iraq.[1]
The Najdi has a distinctive appearance that has even been celebrated in Saudi "sheep beauty pageants" not unlike livestock shows and sales in the West.[2] They are a very tall breed, averaging 76-86 centimeters (30-34 inches) in heigh at the withers.[1] They have long, Roman nosed faces with drooping ears. They are generally black with white faces and white on the legs and tail. Top Najdi ewes can sell for 20,000-30,000 Saudi riyals ($5,300-$8,000 USD), while rams which can sire many more offspring can fetch hundreds of thousands.[2]
Najdi are highly adapted to life in desert conditions, though it is less drought tolerant than some breeds, such as the Awassi.[3] [4] Though its meat and milk may be consumed locally, it is especially valued for its long, straight wool.[4]
References
- ^ a b "Breed Data Sheet". dad.fao.org. FAO Domestic Animal Diversity system (DAD-IS).
- ^ a b "Breeders hold first pageant for Saudi-bred sheep". MSNBC. Associated Press. Oct . 31, 2008.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Alamer, Mohammed (2004). "Effect of water deprivation and season on feed intake, body weight and thermoregulation in Awassi and Najdi sheep breeds in Saudi Arabia". Journal of arid environments. 59: 71–84.
{{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter|coauthors=ignored (|author=suggested) (help) - ^ a b Lancaster, William (1999). People, land and water in the Arab Middle East. Taylor & Francis. ISBN 9789057023224.
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External links
- Control of ovine brucellosis in najdi sheep in saudi Arabia (1983)
- Copper status of Najdi sheep in eastern Saudi Arabia under penned and grazing conditions (1992)
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