Yunnan Semi-Fine Wool Sheep

Yunnan Semi-Fine Wool Sheep

　　  The Yunnan Semi-Fine Wool Sheep is the first new breed of coarse-grade semi-fine wool sheep developed domestically in China.

　　  I. Origin and Distribution

　　　　    The Yunnan Semi-Fine Wool Sheep was developed in the Zhaotong region of Yunnan Province starting from the late 1960s. It was bred by crossing long-wool semi-fine wool sheep (such as Romney and Lincoln) as the sire line with...

　　  local coarse-wool sheep as the dam line through graded upgrading hybridization and subsequent intercrossing to fix the traits. In May 1996, it officially passed the appraisal and acceptance by the National New Breed Committee, and in July 2000, it was formally named “Yunnan Semi-Fine Wool Sheep” by the National Livestock and Poultry Breed Committee. It is mainly distributed in Yongshan and Qiaojia counties in Zhaotong, Yunnan.

　　  II. Physical Characteristics

　　　　    The Yunnan Semi-Fine Wool Sheep is of medium size, with wool covering up to the line connecting the eyes. It has a straight back and loin, well-sprung ribs, short limbs, and wool covering up to above the fetlock joint.

　　  III. Breed Performance

　　　　    The Yunnan Semi-Fine Wool Sheep is the first new breed of coarse-grade semi-fine wool sheep developed in China, with a wool fineness of 48–50 microns. Adult rams have an average weight of 65 kg and a fleece weight of 6.55 kg, while adult ewes have an average weight of 47 kg and a fleece weight of 4.84 kg. The staple length is 14–16 cm. Ewes generally come into estrus during both spring and autumn seasons, with a lambing rate of 106–118%. At 10 months of age, wether lambs have a dressing percentage of 55.76% and a meat yield of 41.2%.

　　  IV. Breeding and Introduction

　　　　    Currently, the Yunnan Semi-Fine Wool Sheep is gaining popularity among more and more livestock farmers. With the development of e-commerce, more users are utilizing livestock trade platforms such as China Animal Husbandry Street for the introduction, breeding, and sale of Yunnan Semi-Fine Wool Sheep, as well as for information exchange. The Yunnan Semi-Fine Wool Sheep has become one of the breeds chosen for both specialized and family-based sheep farming.