🥇 Afshari Sheep
🔹 The heaviest indigenous breed in Iran
⚙️ General Characteristics
| Indicator | Approximate Value |
|---|---|
| Primary Origin | Zanjan Province & Northwestern regions of Iran |
| Mature Ram Weight | 110 to 130 kg (Up to 150 kg in improved industrial lines) |
| Mature Ewe Weight | 70 to 90 kg |
| Carcass Yield | 50% to 55% |
| Body Color | Reddish-brown or Cream |
| Breed Type | Meat – Wool (Medium Fat-tailed) |
| Prominent Feature | Rapid growth, high weight, high meat yield, resistant to cold and low-quality feed |
💡 Key Points
- The most productive meat breed in Iran in terms of growth and economic efficiency.
- Afshari lambs can reach 40–45 kg within 3 to 4 months.
- Highly suitable for industrial feedlot systems and red meat export.
- In breeding programs, Afshari is the primary base for many crossbreeding projects with foreign breeds (such as Romanov or Charollais).
🥈 Mehraban Sheep
- Origin: Hamadan Province
- Mature Ram Weight: 90 to 110 kg
- Characteristics: High hardiness, relatively good prolificacy, high-quality meat, medium fat tail
- Common in the mountainous regions of western Iran.
🥉 Shal Sheep
- Origin: Qazvin Province
- Mature Ram Weight: 100 to 120 kg
- Characteristics: Rapid growth, delicious meat, more muscular body than other breeds
- One of the best breeds for meat quality, particularly in terms of muscle texture and leg conformation.
📊 Final Summary
| Breed | Type | Mature Ram Weight (kg) | Mature Ewe Weight (kg) | Special Characteristic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Afshari | Meat – Fat-tailed | 🔹 110–150 | 70–90 | Heaviest breed in Iran |
| Shal | Meat – Fat-tailed | 100–120 | 65–80 | High musculature, premium meat |
| Mehraban | Meat – Fat-tailed | 90–110 | 60–70 | Hardy and economical |
| Kurdish | Meat – Wool | 80–100 | 55–70 | Adapted to mountainous climate |
| Baluchi | Wool – Hardy | 60–80 | 45–55 | Suitable for arid regions |
✅ Conclusion:
Currently, based on official data and breeding studies,
Afshari Sheep with records of up to 150 kg in improved rams,
is recognized as the heaviest Iranian sheep.
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