The Girra sheep is a breed of domestic sheep from Spain. It is also known by other names such as Sudat and Levant Red.
Today the breed is distributed mainly on the Mediterranean coast in the Spanish provinces of Alicante, Castellón de la Plana and Valencia.
The ancient history of this breed is unknown. But, according to some authors, the breed arose from the crossing of the Manchega with North African breeds of slender-tailed sheep, brought to the Mediterranean coast.
The Girra sheep is considered an officially protected breed according to the Official Catalog of Spanish Livestock Breeds. Suitable for meat, milk and wool production.
But today it is grown mainly for meat production. Learn more about this Spanish breed of sheep below.
Characteristics of Girra Sheep
Girra sheep are small to medium sized animals that are red and white in color. Lambs have a reddish-brown coat, but as they mature, their coat lightens to a mix of red and cream.
The ears of these animals are medium in size, protruding horizontally from the top of the head. Their fleece covers the torso, neck and part of the legs.
Additionally, they do not grow thick hair and are considered quite large. Their skin is generally dark. Photos and information from PetMapz and Wikipedia.
Advantages
Girra sheep are good for meat, milk and wool production. But today they are bred as a meat breed of sheep for meat production.
Special Notes
Girra sheep are very hardy and strong animals. They can adapt to the most adverse conditions, such as lack of food at ground level.
They have the ability to use their hind legs to reach food when it is not possible to forage in the field.
Several research projects are currently underway to assess the breed’s ability to adapt to environmental farming conditions, as well as to study the quality of its meat.
Girra sheep’s milk is also of good quality. In addition, milk is a very good raw material for the production of high quality cheeses.
Today, Girra sheep are bred primarily for meat production. They are generally slaughtered when they have a body weight of 20 to 25 kg and around the age of 3 months.
However, check out the complete Girra sheep breed profile in the following table.
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| Breed name | Guira |
| another name | Also known by other names such as Sudat and Levant Red |
| Purpose of the breed | Mainly meat |
| Special Notes | Very hardy and strong animals, well adapted to the local climate, can adapt to the most adverse conditions such as lack of food at ground level, being able to use their hind legs to reach forage when feeding is not possible. fields, very good quality milk, currently grown mainly for meat production. |
| Breed size | Small to medium |
| horns | Not |
| climatic tolerance | native climate |
| Color | Red and white |
| scarcity | general |
| Country/place of origin | Spain |
