Ujimqin Sheep

Ujimqin Sheep

Ujimqin Sheep is a protected geographical indication product.

　　The Ujimqin Sheep originates from the Ujimqin Grassland in the eastern part of Xilin Gol League, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, hence its name. It is mainly distributed in Dong Ujimqin Banner and Xi Ujimqin Banner, as well as parts of neighboring Xilinhot City and Abga Banner. The Ujimqin Sheep is a dual-purpose (meat and fat) short-tailed coarse-wool breed, known for its large body size, big tail, abundant meat and fat, and rapid growth and development of lambs. This breed has been gradually developed through long-term natural and artificial selection under the region’s unique climate and traditional production methods.

　　Physical Characteristics

　　Ujimqin Sheep are robust and large in stature. Their heads are of medium size, with slightly wide foreheads and slightly raised nasal bridges. Most rams are hornless, though some may have horns, while most ewes are also hornless. They have broad and deep chests, well-spread ribs, with chest depth reaching about half of their body height. Their backs and loins are wide and flat, and the hindquarters are well-developed. The sheep feature well-developed muscles and a proportionate build. Their limbs are sturdy, and they have small fat tails. The majority of the flock has black heads, accounting for about 6.2% of the population, while approximately 10% are entirely white, and about 11% have spotted bodies.

　　Production Performance

　　The breeding and management of Ujimqin Sheep is extremely extensive. They are grazed year-round without supplemental feeding, except for minimal hay supplementation during heavy snowfall when grazing is not possible. Ujimqin Sheep grow and develop rapidly: at 2.5 to 3 months old, the average weight of male and female lambs is 29.5 kg and 24.9 kg respectively; by 6 months, the averages reach 40 kg and 36 kg. Adult rams weigh between 60–70 kg, and adult ewes weigh 56–62 kg. The average carcass weight is 17.90 kg, with a dressing percentage of 50%. The average net meat yield is 11.80 kg, making the net meat rate about 33%. The meat has low water content and is rich in minerals such as calcium, iron, and phosphorus, with well-developed muscle fibers and ample intramuscular and intermuscular fat deposition. The lambing rate is only about 100%. Ujimqin Sheep are well-suited for year-round grazing. They exhibit fast weight gain, strong fat accumulation ability, high meat yield, and early sexual maturity, making them ideal for utilizing peak grass growth periods for grazing-based fattening or planned lamb production. Additionally, they serve as excellent recipient ewes for purebred breeding and embryo transfer programs. Their offspring are robust, disease-resistant, and adaptable.

　　Origin and Environment

　　The Ujimqin Sheep originates from the Ujimqin Grassland in the eastern part of Xilin Gol League, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The production area lies on the western foothills of the Greater Khingan Mountains on the Mongolian Plateau, characterized by a continental climate. The altitude ranges from 800 to 1200 meters, with relatively cold weather and an average annual temperature of 0–1.4°C. For example, in Dong Ujimqin Banner, the average January temperature is -21°C (minimum -40°C), and the average July temperature is 20°C (maximum 39°C). Annual precipitation is 250–300 mm, with a frost-free period of 90–120 days. Snow begins to accumulate in mid-to-late October each year, reaching a depth of 8–9 cm, which does not fully melt until the end of April the following year. The growing season for grass is short, while the dry season is long. The main types of forage include Stipa capillata, Artemisia frigida, Leymus chinensis, Stipa grandis, Cleistogenes squarrosa, Poa spp., and Carex spp. Other plants include Astragalus adsurgens, sedges, and various weeds. The grass layer height is typically 20–30 cm. The region is sparsely populated, and sheep herds usually consist of about 1200–1500 animals per group. Management is extensive, relying year-round on natural pastures for nomadic grazing, with no supplemental feeding during winter and spring.

　　Geographic Distribution

　　Ujimqin Sheep are primarily distributed in Dong Ujimqin Banner and Xi Ujimqin Banner, as well as parts of Abga Banner and Abag Banner.