Desert Moon's Diary: 11/16/11

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Saudi Arabia's Khuroof Najdi ( Najd Sheep)

When one thinks of Saudi Arabia and what it is known for the usual things that come to mind are probably oil and gold. Saudi also has its exquisite Arabian horses as well camels. And among other things, Saudi is known for the Khuroof Najdi. Khuroof meaning sheep and Najdi, indicating the sheep originated from the Naj’d region. The Khuroof Najdi is unique in its appearance where unlike other sheep from Australia, South Africa or the United States for example, they are a very tall breed, averaging 76-86 centimeters (30-34 inches) in height at the withers.They have long, Roman nosed faces with drooping ears. Ewes are polled and rams may be either polled or have scurs. They are generally black with white faces and white on the legs and tail.

(http://www.acacialand.com/food.html - picture)

The Khuroof Najdi sheep were a predominant part of the Bedouin lifestyle.In fact, the bedus would make their traditional tents (sedu) from the Khuroof Najdi wool often referring to these tents as the “hair house.” However, over the years and in modern times, they are popular throughout the Kingdom and GCC for breeding due to their elegant style and appearance. The Khuroof Najdi continue to also be used for milk and meat but their popularity has skyrocketed with the introduction of “The Khuroof Najdi beauty pageants"

A Khuroof Najdi beauty pageant was held just outside of Riyadh in October 2008. More than 4000 men showed up for this event. "The pageant was organized to encourage Saudis to breed their sheep for quality. And it also offered an opportunity for breeders to do business and a rare outlet for entertainment in a country where the few recreational activities that exist are conducted under the strict glare of the religious police."

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Najdi_(sheep) - picture)

According to the event’s organizer, Faisal Al-Saadoun, “Just like humans, sheep should n’t have fat in unwanted places,” “They should also be tall.”

The female sheep (ewes) will sell for between 20,000 to 30,000 Saudi riyals (equivalent to US$5,300 – 8,000). A Ram or male sheep is more expensive because it can produce up to 100 sheep per year to ones flock whereas the ewe will usually give birth to two per year. As a result, a male Khuroof Najdi may be sold for hundreds of thousands of riyals.