Abstract

This study was conducted to characterize the existing sheep breeding strategies as an essential step in designing a breeding program for linking sheep production in the Simien mountain region of Ethiopia. Interview with sheep keepers, direct ranking method of traits, and field observations were carried out in selected districts of Simien mountain region. Sheep kept mainly as a source of income, saving and meat with an index value of 0.27, 0.21, and 0.20 in the Beyeda district whereas the corresponding value for Janamora was 0.26, 0.22, and 0.19, respectively. Mean sheep flock sizes were 14.9 and 16.2 in Beyeda and Janamora districts of Ethiopia. Natural and uncontrolled breeding was common in the Simien mountain region of Ethiopia. Coat color, body conformation, and fast growth rate were important traits in selecting breeding rams in both study districts. Coat color and appearance were selection criteria for breeding ewes in both study districts. It is observed that Simien sheep is highly valued for its tasty meat and produce under low input conditions. However, the survival of Simien sheep is endangered due to uncontrolled breeding, intervention failures in livelihood, and market-oriented agricultural systems. In conclusion, the main breeding objective for sheep production have been defined as increasing meat production and marketed animals and this is driven by market demands. Compared with other local sheep types, Simien was rated highly by both producers and consumers in their tasty meat. These characteristics make the Simien sheep economically more important. Yet Simien sheep need to be conserved as they could serve as a source of safe and tasty products for consumption.