Gulin Horse Sheep

Gulin Horse Sheep

　　The Gulin Horse Sheep has two main fleece colors. One is grayish-mottled, where the upper part of each hair fiber is black and the lower part is gray, creating a gray base with black mottling. The other is brownish-yellow, with the upper part of each hair fiber black and the lower part brown—locally referred to as "tea-brown sheep." Generally, the abdominal area is lighter in color than the body, ewes have shorter fleece, while rams have longer fleece, often featuring long black-gray hair on the neck, shoulders, flanks, and lower legs. Most rams and ewes are hornless and have horse-like heads. Rams have a robust and muscular appearance, while ewes are more delicate in build with a gentle temperament. Their heads are of medium size, with slightly protruding foreheads, straight nasal bridges, and ears that extend straight to the sides. Each side of the face has a white hair band, commonly called a "raccoon face." Both rams and ewes have beards, and about one-fifth have a flesh-colored dewlap under the neck. They have deep, broad chests, well-developed forequarters, straight backs, large but non-sagging bellies, slightly sloping rumps, relatively high legs, sturdy bones, and an upright posture. Their body shape is roughly block-shaped, similar to a brick.

　　Horse Sheep are tall and sturdy. At one year old, rams average 52.2 cm in height and ewes 53.2 cm. Adult rams average 67.0 cm in height and ewes 58 cm. The heights of one-year-old rams and ewes are 77.9% and 91.5%, respectively, of their adult counterparts. Male lambs weigh an average of 2.3±0.05 kg at birth, and females 2.1±0.05 kg. Male lambs average 8.6±0.12 kg and females 8.4±0.02 kg at two months when weaned. One-year-old rams average 25.3±1.52 kg and ewes 27.0±0.59 kg. Adult rams average 39.8±2.48 kg and ewes 36.5±0.56 kg. Weight gain is relatively rapid within the first year, with an average daily gain during lactation of 105 g for male lambs and 98 g for female lambs. From weaning to one year of age, the average daily gains are 55.6 g for males and 63.3 g for females. At one year, the weights of both ram and ewe lambs are 63.5% and 73.9%, respectively, of the adult weights.