Karayaka
{{Short description|Breed of sheep}}
The Karayaka (Black Neck) is a breed of domestic sheep from Turkey. It is a dual purpose breed producing meat and milk. The wool is used in carpets. The Karayaka is classified as a long thin-tailed breed.{{cite web
|url= http://afs.okstate.edu/breeds/sheep/karayaka/#content
|title=Karayaka
|publisher=Oklahoma State University, Dept. of Animal Science
|accessdate=2010-06-22}}
Characteristics
Usually, the Karayaka is white with black eyes, head and legs. Infrequently, brown or black animals are seen. Most of the time, rams are horned and ewes are polled (hornless).
On average, ewes are {{convert|61.1|cm|in|abbr=on}} at the withers and {{convert|67.4|cm|in|abbr=on}} long. Also, ewes weigh {{convert|35|to|40|kg|lb|abbr=on}} and produce {{convert|40|to|45|kg|lb|abbr=on}} of milk in a 130- to 140-day lactation period. In a study, it was found that ewes produce about {{convert|1.8|to|2.4|kg|lb|abbr=on}} of fleece with a {{convert|21|to|28|cm|in|abbr=on}} staple length and 39 to 43 micron diameter.{{cite web
|url=http://www.fao.org/docrep/009/ah224e/AH224E05.htm
|title=Sheep and Goats in Turkey
|publisher=Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
|accessdate=2010-06-22}}
References
{{reflist}}
{{commons category|Karayaka}}
Category:Sheep breeds originating in Turkey
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