Description
Somali sheep are usually white with a black head. They are a distinctive-looking breed as they have an odd shape due to the fact that they store fat in their hindquarters.
Somali sheep do not have wool, they have hair like goats to keep them cool.
Distribution
Found in Somalia and South Africa.
Lifespan
10 - 12 years.
Size
Approximately 65 - 70kgs.
Diet
They are vegetarians and ruminants, like goats and cows. Similar to cows they are a grazing animal, preferring to eat grasses.
Habitat
Drylands.
Breeding
Ewes generally reach sexual maturity at 6 - 8 months of age, and rams generally at 4 - 6 months. The gestation period of about 5 months, and normal labour takes 1-3 hours.