The suitability of the local Barbary sheep to the Saluk region compared with the global sheep production systems

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to describe Sulug region south east Benghazi and how it suited to barbary sheep production. The description includes underground water, soil, plants, barbary sheep, feeding system, diseases, and methods of marketing. Hythergraph and Temperature Humidity Index were used to describe the region. The region is classified as semi-arid according to the international measures. Sheep were grazed for 5 months on average. Hythergraph showed that Sulug region is suitable to long tail short hair, short tail with wool, and Merino sheep as compared with international sheep production system. THI showed an existence of severe  stress during June to September that needs to be considered for productivity and fertility. Improving wool quality of barbary sheep can add adaptive advantage to harsh environmental conditions. Local sheep showed variability in qualitative traits such as face and legs color. Color of face and legs could be used to establish lines or strains specialized in milk, meat and wool. It is  recommended that producer to follow the suitable management during the dry season as first signs of dry occur, and diseases prevention as well as improving marketing systems.