Yuncheng Small-Tailed Han Sheep

Yuncheng Small-Tailed Han Sheep

　　Yuncheng Small-Tailed Han Sheep is a specialty of Yuncheng County in Heze City, Shandong Province. The sheep from Yuncheng County are known for their fast growth rate, high fertility, excellent meat production, strong adaptability, and dual-purpose use for both wool and meat.

　　Yuncheng County is the central production area for Small-Tailed Han Sheep and serves as a production base for this breed in Shandong Province. The sheep are characterized by fast growth, high fertility, excellent meat production, strong adaptability, and dual-purpose use for both wool and meat. The lambskins of 2–3 months old are considered the best, featuring thin leather, abundant downy fur, dense and tough skin structure, clear wool locks, and wavy or spiral patterns. These patterns remain largely unchanged after tanning, resembling clouds and appearing as white as jade—extremely beautiful. The processed fur garments are lightweight, soft, and warm. The hides of adult sheep are excellent raw materials for leather production, and those with good patterns can be used to make fur products. In 1989, they were hailed as the “Pearl of the World” at the National Wool (Cashmere) and Breeding Sheep Exhibition and Auction.