The Orkhon (Mongolian: орхон) is a Mongolian breed of sheep first developed in 1961. This medium, the semi-fine wool breed is now reared primarily for wool.
History
In 1942 then-Council of Ministers (Cabinet) of Mongolia issued a resolution to develop domestic fine and semi-fine wool breeds to meet the increased national manufacturing demand. Selection and breeding works started in 1942 with successive cross-breeding of Soviet Tsigai and Altay rams.
The first certificate confirming the breed was issued on January 1, 1961, by the then-Standards and Measurements Authority of the People’s Republic of Mongolia to the breed’s developer, researcher and veterinarian T.Ayurzana (1910-1972).
Characteristics
Both sexes of the Orkhon breed display white colour, short tail (usually cut at an early age), compact body with a straight back. On average and at maturity, rams produce 5,6 kg and ewes produce 3,7 kg of semi-fine wool. The average wool length is 8 cm, the average diameter of the Orkhon fibre is 25-31 microns.
Approximately 1.15 lambs per litter. Age at first breeding is 18 months, average live weight at birth is 4 kg for males and 3.6 kg for females.
This is hardy sheep well suited for Mongolian harsh climate, grazed on pastures all year round.
Population
The current exact size of the Orkhon sheep population is unknown but estimated at around 3500 heads as of 2018. The main stock of the Orkhon breed is now kept in Selenge soum of Bulgan Province of Mongolia.