Acıpayam sheep originated in Turkey, it is a white and clean animal with a gentle expression. It is one of the most regarded animals in Turkey. The acıpayam sheep has been used to represent “pure love” for over 2 thousand years. It has also been called “the white gold of Turkey”. In 1999, the acıpayam sheep was named the symbol of Turkey.
Acıpayam sheep are found in the Cappadocia region of Turkey, primarily in Nevşehir province and surrounding areas (Aksaray Province and Kayseri Province). However, it is also a common breed in many other regions.
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How to identify acıpayam sheep?
Acıpayam sheep are the most prominent and most identified breed in Turkey. The head and legs of acıpayam sheep are white, it is medium-sized, and has a white face, ears, and nose. Its body color can be yellowish or apricot. Acıpayam sheep’s salient feature is their long wool (all over the anatomy), they grow almost 10cm long in the winter season.
Acıpayam sheep are flock animals and have a reputation for being hard workers. Their wool is used for many things such as making carpets, rugs, towels, and handicrafts in Turkey. The hair of acıpayam sheep is used in some areas of the world (Turkey included) to make long, soft tights or socks. Acıpayam sheep are mostly raised by local farmers in many rural areas of Turkey.
Behavioral characteristics
Acıpayam sheep are one of the most docile breeds and people’s favorite, they never hurt anyone. The females especially are friendly towards humans. But some farmers believe that male animals should be avoided because in the summer and autumn season it tends to be aggressive. Due to its gentle character, shepherds prefer this breed.
Acıpayam sheep can cover large distances without getting tired due to their wool which acts as protection (the wool also helps with heat dissipation). Acıpayam sheep rarely need any kind of treatment in their life.
The behavior of acıpayam sheep is influenced by the environment they are raised in, they become more docile when they are raised in warmer climates and become more aggressive when they are raised in colder climates. Acıpayam sheep do not fear wild animals such as wolves or foxes.
Diseases
Acıpayam sheep can be infected with white foot disease (nematodiasis). Acıpayam sheep do not get sick very often, what little illness they do have includes injuries to their udder and legs. When infected with anemia, acıpayam sheep are unable to produce or drink milk. They also become weak and lose weight.
Acıpayam sheep do not carry pathogens that can cause food poisoning. Acıpayam sheep do not transmit diseases such as measles, swine flu, hepatitis, and tuberculosis to humans. They can be protected if they are vaccinated against some diseases.
Diet
Acıpayam sheep are fed a variety of foods such as grasses, sweet grass, corn, and hay. Acıpayam sheep are very efficient in converting feed to energy, they only need 10% of the feed. Acıpayam sheep do not require much in terms of water, typical body weight requirement is 1250g/day which can be achieved by offering less than one liter daily.
As pet
Acıpayam sheep are easy to maintain, have a gentle character, and are good companions for children. Acıpayam sheep are popular pets in Turkey because of their gentleness. Acıpayam sheep wool is very hard to remove. So it is not a common breed outside Turkey, acıpayam sheep wool is only used to make carpets in Turkey. It takes two female animals to make one carpet.
Uses
Acıpayam sheep wool is a good material for carpets. Acıpayam sheep are a very clean breed, they are rarely infected with diseases and parasites.
Acıpayam sheep can be used in the following fields
They are raised and slaughtered in many parts of Turkey, and the meat of acıpayam sheep is considered to be healthy and wholesome. The frequency of reproduction in acıpayam sheep depends on the climate because it differs from place to place.
Special Considerations
Acıpayam sheep wool is always abundant, it is difficult to access the wool if you want to pluck it out. It takes two animals to make one carpet. The female Acıpayam sheep are pregnant for three months and have an average of three kids. Acıpayam sheep can be raised in areas with cold or extreme weather conditions.
Acıpayam sheep are sensitive to the smell of smoke, since they are flock animals they tend not to be compatible with other species. However, review the full breed profile of the acıpayam sheep in the following table.
Best 10+information
| Breed Name | Acıpayam Sheep. |
| Other Name | Aci Payam sheep. |
| Country of Origin | Turkey. |
| Breed Purpose | Wool, Meat. |
| Color | White, Black and Brown. |
| Size | Medium. |
| Meat | Very Good. |
| Health Problem | Nematode Infection and White Foot Disease (sometimes). |
| Climate Tolerance | Varies. |
| Temperament | Calm, Mild, Loves Kids. |
| Rarity | Rare. |
| Lifespan | 10 Years or Longer. |
