Algarve Churro

Portuguese breed of sheep

Algarve Churro

A ram

Conservation status|

* FAO (2007): not at risk[1]: 93
* DAD-IS (2024): at risk/vulnerable[2]

Other names| Churra Algarvia
Country of origin| Portugal
Distribution| Algarve
Use| Meat, wool, milk, vegetation management
Traits
Weight|

* Male:

75 kg (170 lb)

* Female:

55 kg (120 lb)

Height|

* Male:

95 cm (37 in)

* Female:

85 cm (33 in)

Wool color| Usually white; 10% have black wool
Face color| White with black markings
Horn status| Both sexes are horned

* Sheep
* Ovis aries

The Algarve Churro or Churra Algarvia is a Portuguese breed of domestic sheep.[3] It is distributed mainly in the Algarve and Alto Alentejo regions of southern Portugal, particularly in the arid Barrocal [pt] sub-region of the Algarve.[4]: 76 [5] It is primarily raised for its meat, although it also produces and is raised for carpet wool.[2] Traditionally, it was also raised for its milk, used in cheesemaking, and for vegetation management. In subsistence agriculture, the traditional uses of the breed persist.[6][7]

## History

[edit]

This breed, according to some sources, originated from Andalusian Churro stock imported between 1870 and 1890.[8]: 285  However, according to other sources, they are an autochthonous variety of the Iberian Churro, the Andalusian varieties being native to large stretches of Spain contiguous with the Portuguese breed's historical range and processing similar characteristics.[6][7] They are mainly found in the district of Faro.[3] Traditionally, they were raised for their lean but flavourful meat, milk for cheesemaking, and wool for mattress-filling.[5] They were also commonly raised for vegetation management and to reduce produce waste.[6][7] The population of this breed has been decreasing. In 1996, there were greater than 23,000 and in 2004, there were greater than 1300.[2] According to the DGAV (Direção geral de allmentação e veterinária), a 2019 studbook registered purebred adults, listing 64 rams and 1626 ewes.[7] In 2024 the total population had risen to an estimated 7411–8252 head, with a breeding stock of 3822 ewes and 63 rams in 47 flocks;[2][9] its conservation status was listed as "at risk/vulnerable".[2]

## Characteristics

[edit]

The sheep are usually white, with black markings on the feet and head; about 10% of the population has black wool.[8]: 285  The fleece is mostly confined to the neck and trunk of the animal, leaving the head, lower legs, and belly exposed.[10] The staples are 20–30 cm (7.9–12 in) in length and are pointy and open.[5][10]

Both sexes have ridged horns, although the horns are smaller and less developed in ewes, in rams they project outward in wide spirals.[3][5][10]

The animals are known for their large statue, lively temperament, and general hardiness.[6] Mature rams grow on average to 95 cm (37 in) at the withers and weigh 75 kg (170 lb). However, ewes grow to an average 85 cm (33 in) at the withers, weighing 55 kg (120 lb) at maturity.[2]

Although not a variety of fat-tailed sheep, the animals have long tails which are broad at the base.[7][10]

## References

[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Algarve Churro.

1. ^ Barbara Rischkowsky, Dafydd Pilling (editors) (2007). List of breeds documented in the Global Databank for Animal Genetic Resources, annex to The State of the World's Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. Rome: Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. ISBN 9789251057629. Archived 23 June 2020.
2. ^ a b c d e f Breed data sheet: Churra Algarvia / Portugal (Sheep). Domestic Animal Diversity Information System of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Accessed August 2024.
3. ^ a b c "Algarve Churro". Breeds of Livestock. Oklahoma State University, Department of Animal Science. Archived from the original on 4 November 2008. Retrieved 8 May 2009.
4. ^ [s.n.] (2021). Catálogo Oficial de Raças Autóctones Portuguesas (in Portuguese). Lisboa: Confederação dos Agricultores de Portugal; Direção-Geral de Alimentação e Veterinária. Archived 19 January 2024.
5. ^ a b c d "Churra Algarvia Sheep". Slow Food Foundation for Biodiversity. Archived from the original on 21 January 2024. Retrieved 20 January 2024.
6. ^ a b c d "Churra Algarvia - História". www.ovinosecaprinos.com (in Portuguese). Archived from the original on 21 January 2024. Retrieved 20 January 2024.
7. ^ a b c d e "Churra Algarvia" (PDF). Direção geral de allmentação e veterinária (in Portuguese). Archived (PDF) from the original on 21 January 2024. Retrieved 20 January 2024.
8. ^ a b Valerie Porter, Ian Lauder Mason (2020). Mason's World Dictionary of Livestock Breeds, Types and Varieties (sixth edition). Wallingford; Boston: CABI. ISBN 9781789241532.
9. ^ Ovinos - Raça Churra Algarvia (in Portuguese). Vale de Santarém: Sociedade Portuguesa de Recursos Genéticos Animais. Archived 13 August 2024.
10. ^ a b c d "Churra Algarvia - Padrão da Raça". www.ovinosecaprinos.com/ (in Portuguese). Archived from the original on 21 January 2024. Retrieved 20 January 2024.

* v
* t
* e

Sheep breeds of Portugal

These are the sheep breeds usually considered in Portugal to be wholly or partly of Portuguese origin. Inclusion here does not necessarily imply that a breed is predominantly or exclusively Portuguese.

* Algarve Churro
* Bordaleira de Entre Douro e Minho
* Campaniça
* Churra Badana
* Churra da Terra Quente
* Churra do Campo
* Churra do Minho
* Churra Galega Bragançana Branca
* Churra Galega Bragançana Preta
* Churra Galega Mirandesa
* Churra Mondegueira
* Merina Branca
* Merina da Beira Baixa
* Merina Preta
* Saloia
* Serra da Estrela

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