SWAKARA SHEEP – lean meat and quality pelts–

THE Swakara sheep (previously known as Karakul) is believed to be one of the oldest breeds of domesticated sheep in the world. Originally from the steppes of Turkistan, this broad-tailed sheep gradually spread to other regions of Central Asia.

On 24 September 1907, the first 12 sheep, two rams and 10 ewes, arrived on board a freight ship at Swakopmund, which at that time still had a harbour. These sheep were imported to Namibia by the German government. About 750 Swakara were imported to Namibia from Asia at the beginning of the previous century. From there the breed also spread to the Northern Cape and surrounding areas. Indigenous sheep breeds like the Blackhead Persian and the Namaqua Afrikaner were especially suitable for the upgrading of the Swakara. The numbers of Karakul increased rapidly until it reached its peak of more than 5 million for Namibia and South Africa in 1979. The local industry took a hit in the 1970s, with production dropping from 3,4 million pelts per year in 1970 to 56 600 in 1997. The pelt numbers slowly increased again after 1997 and the annual production now stands at approximately 140 000.

DESCRIPTION

The grown sheep are medium-sized. Their wool is a mixture of coarse and fine fibres, varying in colour from black to shades of tan and grey. Swakara sheep have a wide tail that stores fat. The head is long and narrow, slightly indented between the eyes and often exhibiting a Roman type nose. The long ears are always pointing downward and slightly forward. Most rams have horns and the females are polled.

The Swakara is distinguished by its coloured fleece, which is due to a dominant black gene. Most lambs are born coal black with lustrous wavy curls, with the face, ears and legs usually showing smooth, sleek hair. As the lambs grow, the curls open and lose their pattern and the colour generally begins to turn brownish or bluish grey, getting greyer with age. Many adults have a double coat, a fine down undercoat, covered by a coat of guard hair.

Grey, white and brown coloured sheep are also found.

In April 2013, Namibian authorities granted permission for the Karakul breed name to change to Swakara. Similar authorisation from South Africa is still pending. The name change was necessary as pelt buyers associate Karakul with heavier-haired pelts

PRODUCTION NORMS

Swakara breed out of season, making it possible for 3 lamb crops every 2 years. Single lambs are the rule, although twins are not uncommon. The Swakara ram can weigh 80 to 100 kg, while the ewes range from 45 to 70 kg.

PRODUCTS

Meat – The meat of the Swakara is very lean and the breed’s abundant milk supply is used for butter and cheese in some countries.

Wool – The wool of adult sheep is used in making carpets and other heavy fabrics. The Swakara produces a light weight, high

volume, strong fibre fleece, that at its best is long and lustrous, usually with no crimp.

It is easily spun, with little preparation. It produces a superior carpet yarn, is often used for rugs and saddle blankets, outer garments and wall-hangings, and has an excellent felting ability.

Pelts – The best pelts are obtained from unborn lambs and those up to 3 days old.

Namibia produces approximately 140 000 pelts per annum. These are sold under the name Swakara at Kopenhagen Fur in Denmark twice a year. South Africa produces 20% of the total percentage of pelts that are exported. –http://gadi.agric.za

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