Hezhang Black Horse Sheep

Hezhang Black Horse Sheep

Hezhang Black Horse Sheep is a geographical indication agricultural product.

　　Hezhang Black Horse Sheep is a subgroup derived from Guizhou Black Goats. They are commonly known as Black Horse Sheep due to their hornless heads and horse-like facial features. Raised in the natural shrub forests of the karst mountainous region, these sheep are prized for their entirely black fleece, tender and flavorful meat, low cholesterol, high protein content, and being raised in a pollution-free environment, making them a sought-after nutritious and health-promoting food.

　　Produced in Hezhang County, Bijie City, Guizhou Province, Hezhang Black Horse Sheep is a subgroup derived from Guizhou Black Goats. They are commonly known as Black Horse Sheep due to their hornless heads and horse-like facial features. Raised in the natural shrub forests of the karst mountainous region, these sheep are prized for their entirely black fleece, tender and flavorful meat, low cholesterol, high protein content, and being raised in a pollution-free environment, making them a sought-after nutritious and health-promoting food. The meat is well-marbled, glossy, with even red coloration; the muscle fibers are fine, tender, and tightly packed, with a slightly dry surface that is not sticky to the touch. The mutton has a pleasant texture, is not greasy, offers a unique umami and aroma, and has only a mild gaminess.

　　Geographic Scope

　　Hezhang County is located in the northwest of Guizhou Province, bordering Bijie and Nayong to the east, Weining to the west, Liupanshui to the south, and Zhenxiong and Yiliang of Yunnan Province to the north. Its geographic coordinates are between 104°10′28" to 105°01′23" east longitude and 26°46′12″ to 27°28′18″ north latitude. The county covers a total area of 3,242.74 square kilometers, comprising 27 townships and 456 villages, with a total population of 820,500, of which 93.56% are rural residents. It is home to 18 ethnic groups including Han, Yi, Miao, Bai, Hui, and Bouyei. Hezhang Black Horse Sheep are distributed across 27 townships within the county, namely Chengguan, Baiguo, Magu, Caishen, Liuchuhe, Yemachuan, Dayi, Shuitangbao, Xingfa, Songlinpo, Zhijie, Zhushi, Luozhou, Shuangping, Kele, Fuchu, Tieshang, Hezhen, Anlexi, Zhuming, Jiegou, Dezhuo, Gaji, Zhezhuang, Pingshan, Guda, and Weishe. Production Scale: The annual stock of Hezhang Black Horse Sheep is 33,100; annual meat sheep slaughter is 11,200, with a yield of 168 tons.