Gannan Tibetan Sheep

Gannan Tibetan Sheep

Gannan Tibetan Sheep is a geographically protected product.

　　The Gannan-type Tibetan sheep is an ancient coarse-wool breed from the high-cold pastoral areas of Gansu Province. Developed through long-term selective breeding by local herders under the unique natural ecological conditions of Ganjia Township in Xiahe County, this breed has adapted to the high-altitude, cold environment. Due to the harsh climate and year-round extensive grazing management, the sheep have developed robust physiques, strong limbs, alert temperaments, and a remarkable tolerance to severe cold. Adult rams typically weigh 48.77 kg, while ewes weigh 40.27 kg. Their fleece yield ranges from 1.0 to 1.21 kg. The carcass weight of adult ewes is 19.36 kg, with a dressing percentage of 44.48%. For adult wethers, the carcass weight is 21.5 kg, and the dressing percentage is 47.50%. Their reproductive lifespan spans 5–6 years.

　　In Renqing Demonstration Village, Ganjia Township, Xiahe County, the primary industries are the breeding, reproduction, and fattening of Gannan-type Tibetan sheep, with over 95% of the income of local farmers and herders derived from sheep farming. As of now, the specialized village raises 50,193 Gannan-type Tibetan sheep annually, with 1,481 laborers engaged in sheep production and management (accounting for 63.95% of the village’s total population). The livestock industry generates an output value of 20.011 million yuan, accounting for 91.17% of the total agricultural output value. The per capita net income of farmers and herders is 4,295 yuan.

　　The administrative regions currently under the jurisdiction of 11 townships and sub-district offices in Xiahe County, Gansu Province: Ganjia Township, Kecai Township, Sangke Township, Damai Township, Madang Township, Qu’ao Township, Tanggagang Township, Boluo Township, Jicang Township, Yalijie Sub-district Office, and Zhayou Township.

　　"Request from the People’s Government of Xiahe County on Determining the Protection Scope of Gannan Tibetan Sheep as a Geographical Indication Product," Xia Zheng Fa [2013] No. 45

　　Gansu Provincial Local Standard: "Gannan Tibetan Sheep" (Draft)