NATIVE SHEEP BREEDS FROM BANAT AND ECONOMIC IMPACT ON RURAL DEVELOPMENT
NATIVE SHEEP BREEDS FROM BANAT AND ECONOMIC IMPACT ON RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Summary/Abstract: Research was carried out on two native sheep breeds traditionally known in Banat, Ratka and the Curly haired sheep of Banat. All the data were recorded and compared with data existing in the database of the Transylvanian Rare Breeds Association. The Ratka breed with its two colour variants – white and black – is steadily decreasing in number, with about 1,800-2,000 animals in 2009. The Banat Ratka was compared to the Hungary Ratka from the point of view of their size, weight, and yields. The Curly haired sheep of Banat is another endangered breed, with about 1,600 animals in 2009. The comparison was made with the Waldshaf breed from Austria and the Cickta breed from Hungary. The obtained products from sheep of the Banat curly haired sheep were: 1.5 – 2.3 kg of wool, with the length of the lock of 18-20.2 cm, finesse of 38-43 microns, the milk production of 60-70 kg are comparable with that of the Waldshaf and Cickta. The exterior of the sheep is also similar. The curly haired sheep population of Banat has undergone a decrease in numbers in the past 20 years, only 1,300 remaining today. Sheep milk is the best for traditional products and it represents an economical gain for breeders. The Curly haired sheep is a breed of high economic interest.

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