The Adal sheep is a breed of domestic sheep which was originated from Ethiopia. It is mainly found in the region surrounding Dancalia in northeastern Ethiopia.
It is actually a meat sheep breed and raised mainly for meat production. The breed is also one of the hair sheep breeds. However, read some more information about this sheep breed below.
Adal Sheep Characteristics
The Adal sheep are smaller sized animals. They are unicolored from white to dark brown. Occasionally they are also pied or dark brown. They generally have short ears, and often earless.
Both rams and ewes are generally polled, that means they have no horns. Average birth weight of the rams is around 2.54 kg, and around 2.26 kg for the ewes.
Average live body weight of the mature ewes is around 24 kg. And average live body weight of the mature rams is around 35 kg. Photo and info from VetBook and Wikipedia.
Uses
The Adal sheep is a meat sheep breed. It is raised mainly for meat production.
Special Notes
The Adal sheep are hardy and strong animals. They are especially well adapted to arid and dry climates.
This breed is classified as a fat-tailed hair breed and has short, stiff fibers.
Today it is raised mainly for meat production, but is also good for producing hair. However, review full breed profile of the Adal sheep in the following chart.
| Breed Name | Adal |
| Other Names | None |
| Breed Purpose | Mainly meat, also hair |
| Special Notes | Relatively hardy and strong animals, well adapted and do well in their native climate, especially well adapted to arid and dry climates, the breed is classified as a fat-tailed hair sheep breed, today raised mainly for meat production, but also good for producing hair |
| Breed Size | Small |
| Weight | Mature ram’s average live body weight is around 35 kg, and the mature ewes on average weight around 24 kg. |
| Horns | No |
| Climate Tolerance | Native climates |
| Color | Unicolored from white to dark brown |
| Rarity | Common |
| Country/Place of Origin | Ethiopia |
