3.1. Patch faced Maritsa sheep – state and perspectives of development

Author: Doytcho Dimov, Atanas Vuchkov

DOI: n/a

Resume

The tendencies in population of Patch-faced Maritsa sheep during last six years (2002-2006) has been analyzed in this study. Population size under monitoring program has been increased from 250 to 955. The flocks under performance testing have been increased from 7 to 16. Tendency of lower milk yield in the herds has been established during last years (100,03 – 89,32 liters per ewe). Also, in some of the best herds the farmers have gone on two-time lambing per year. In other herds the farmers have got to later lamb weaning. Coefficient of prolificacy vary between 1.38 no 1.49, which indicate middle level of this character. Due to enhanced interest of local sheep-breeders to keep Patch-faced Maritsa sheep it has been decreased risk of extinction of this local breed.