Kangal Sheep

Kangal Sheep is a sheep breed originating from the Kangal district of Sivas Province in Türkiye, and is also raised in Sivas, Malatya and surrounding provinces. It belongs to a sub-variety of the Akkaraman breed. Adapted to the region’s natural conditions, it is noted for its hardiness, large frame and high productivity. It is utilized for meat, milk and wool. It was officially registered as a geographical indication in the Official Gazette on 3 August 2002.

Kangal Sheep (Sivas Governorate)

General Characteristics

The Kangal Sheep is larger in size and better adapted to local conditions than other varieties of the Akkaraman breed. Distinctive features that distinguish it from other breeds include black markings around the eyes, nose and legs, and a convex nasal profile. The fleece is typically white or off-white, with occasional cream tones and black patches. The wool is coarse and wrinkled in texture.

Physical Characteristics

The head and facial structure of the Kangal Sheep is highly characteristic. The nose is convex with black markings around the nostrils and eyes. The head is long, narrow and wool-free. The ears are long and hang downward.

The body shape, when viewed from the side, is rectangular. The chest is broad in males and narrower in females. The legs are long, sturdy and wool-free. Black markings may occasionally appear on the feet.

The tail structure is also distinctive. The tail is fatty and tapers to a fine tip that curves in an “S” shape. In adult rams, tail weight can reach up to 20 kilograms, though it generally ranges between 4 and 8 kilograms.

Height and weight values in Kangal Sheep vary by sex. Ewes at birth have a withers height of 35–40 cm and a live weight of 2.5–4.5 kg. At three months of age, they reach a height of 48–52 cm and a weight of 18–23 kg. At six months, their height is 65–70 cm and weight 35–40 kg. At twelve months, ewes attain a height of 70–75 cm and a weight of 50–55 kg. By 36 months, they reach a height of 73–80 cm and a weight of 70–75 kg.

In rams, withers height at birth is also 35–40 cm, but live weight is higher at 4–5 kg. At three months, they reach a height of 50–55 cm and a weight of 20–25 kg. At six months, their height is 65–70 cm and weight 40–45 kg. At twelve months, rams reach a height of 75–80 cm and a weight of 70–75 kg. By 36 months, they develop to a height of 80–90 cm and a weight of 90–115 kg.

Kangal Sheep (Sivas Governorate)

Reproduction and Birth

The gestation period in Kangal Sheep ranges from 145 to 155 days. Newborn lambs are immediately suckled after drying to ensure colostrum intake. Estrus cycle occurs in autumn, when daylight and temperature decrease; the cycle lasts 16–17 days and estrus lasts 16 hours. Ewes are typically bred for the first time at approximately 15–16 months of age, after their second weaning season. Birth rate under controlled breeding is 94%. Average litter size is 1.30, with a twinning rate of 30%. Survival rate is 96% at 30 days and 90% at 90 days (weaning). Single lambs have a birth weight of 4.8 kg, reaching 24 kg at 90 days and 36 kg at 180 days.

Nutrition

The feeding of Kangal Sheep is largely based on pasture. After birth, lambs are kept with their mothers in a closed area for one week. Thereafter, if weather and pasture conditions permit, they are moved to pasture with their mothers.

Geographical Scope and Oversight

The geographical boundary of the Kangal Sheep covers the Kangal district of Sivas Province and extends to Sivas, Malatya and neighboring provinces. Oversight is conducted by a committee of four members: one representative from the Sivas Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, two veterinarians from the Kangal District Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, and one representative from the Kangal Sub-provincial Governorship. Inspections are carried out at least once annually; additional inspections are conducted upon complaint or as needed. Inspection reports are submitted to the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office in accordance with Law No. 6769 on Industrial Property.