Karakul
The Karakul breed of fat tail sheep originated in Iran and Afghanistan. It was introduced into Australia by the University of New South Wales in 1985 through the purchase of a flock that had been originally imported to the US from Iran in the early 1900s.
Historically, the Karakul has been bred specifically for the pelt of the very young lamb, which was used in the manufacture of pelt hats for the local population.
The breed has a variety of coat colours. At birth, lambs usually have a lustrous, curly black pelt, but as they get older the curls disappear and the coat becomes brownish to bluish grey, getting greyer with age. Other colours, from white to tan and brown, through to silver blue, also occur. The Americans have bred for white wool characteristics, culling the ‘coloureds’. Karakuls have a broad fat tail, a roman nose and ears that point downwards and forwards.
Further information is available from:
Fares Rural Co Pty Ltd
33 Phillimore Street
Fremantle WA 6160
