Norduz Sheep

There are a large number of sheep breed that have adapted to different regions owing to diversity of geographical structure of Turkey. Turkey has 31,5 million sheep and is one of the most important sheep producer in the world (TUIK 2015). Turkish sheep breeds are divided into 2 groups as fat or thin tailed breeds. Fat tailed sheep are in majority in Turkish sheep population. Norduz Sheep is one of the fat-tailed sheep breeds raised in Norduz vicinity of Gurpinar country in Van provience. Norduz ewes have evolved naturally through adaptation to socio-economic and ecological conditions of Norduz region. This breed of sheep is totally covered with fleece neck. Norduz sheep is a type within White Karaman breed. Norduz sheep are generally white, but grey, grey-white, brown-white Norduz sheep can also be found. Different parts of body, specially head, chest and legs can have black spots. Norduz sheep generally have long legs, and its neck is covered with fleece. Tail consists of three parts, and middle part is longer. Norduz sheep used for meat, milk and carpet-fleece production in Turkey. Norduz is characterized by high lamb viability and adaptation capacity to the harsh environmental conditions in Eastern Anatolia. Lactation milk yield and lactation length of Norduz ewes were found greater than those of many native sheep breeds raised in Turkey. Norduz sheep milk is rich in proteins which constitutes the basis of texture of cheese. Ewes have ease of management and grazing capability, walking, herd and maternal instinct. Norduz is endangered and sheep are under protection by project of In Vitro Conservation and Preliminary Molecular Identification of Some Turkish Domestic Animal Genetic Resources-I (TURKHAYGEN-I) in province of Van.