Bibrik sheep is a domesticated breed of meat sheep that is found in the Baluchistan Province of Pakistan. the sheep belong to the fat-tailed variety and some people refer to them as Baluch sheep or Bishig sheep. They are reared principally in the southern part of Baluchistan Province in Pakistan. This sheep breed of meat sheep and is known to be the original sheep from which thousands of sheep found in Pakistan were bred.
The local people claim that this breed was originally native to Baluchistan, but now it is reared in other areas of the country too. Just like any other meat sheep, Bibrik sheep are reared for meat. The Bibrik sheep are white with long pinched wool and a thick coat. They do not require much attention as long as they are provided with enough food and water supply.
Females of the breed weigh approximately 100 kg and males weigh up to 150 kg. The ewes and lambs are usually slaughtered at 6–8 months of age, which is before reaching full maturity. The meat is high in fat content, nearly 50%. Due to its high-fat content, Bibrik meat is flavorful, juicy, and tender.
Contents
How to identify Bibrik sheep:
At first glance, the Bibrik sheep have an appearance similar to other sheep species. They are about 30–50 cm tall and have a slightly longer bodies than other sheep with a thin necks and tails. The wool on their body is long and shaggy, but from time to time, it may be trimmed or brushed out to prevent excessive matting. The color of the Bibrik sheep can vary from white to light gray and black. The head of the Bibrik sheep has a straight line running down it and going to the chin.
The face is flat with a prominent brow ridge. The face is sometimes covered with black markings around the eyes, nose, and muzzle. The ears are small and short and are covered with hair that is shorter than the wool on their bodies. Bibrik has slender legs with two toes on each foot but only cloven hooves on the back of the two legs.
Behavioral characteristics
The Bibrik sheep is a sedentary animal and does not move much. It spends most of its time grazing but can survive even in dry weather conditions. These sheep rest in shade and are very active in the morning but do not have any regular balancing schedule.
The females of the species form small herds while the males tend to form larger groups. The Bibrik sheep can escape predators by running at high speeds and leaping over obstacles. When in danger, the Bibrik sheep will either stand its ground or run away from predators.
However, the Bibrik rarely attacks other animals and will only do so if it feels threatened. The Bibrik sheep have an average life span of 15–20 years. They are also used for their milk and wool which are produced in limited quantities.
Uses:
The Bibrik sheep are used for animal husbandry and meat production. It is mainly used for meat in Pakistan. As its meat is prepared, it needs to be marinated before being eaten because of its high-fat content. Due to the high-fat content, Bibrik sheep’s meat is also used as a dietary supplement and can be taken by people suffering from various ailments due to their nutritional value. The milk of Bibrik sheep is also used for making cheese, yogurt, milk, and butter.
Special Considerations:
Although the Bibrik sheep are reared for meat, their wool is also used to make clothes, blankets, and rugs. The wool of this sheep is often used as a substitute for cotton in the local carpets of Pakistan. The meat produced by the Bibrik sheep is also used in traditional Baluchi cuisine. Fresh or dried meat can be eaten grilled with rice or boiled with rice in a soup or stew.
It can also be prepared as jerky. The Bibrik sheep can be kept as a pet but they do not make good pets due to their aggression. If they are not kept in suitable enclosures, they will become aggressive and may even attack other animals. However, review the full breed profile of the Bibrik sheep in the following table.
Best 10+ information:
| Breed Name | Bibrik Sheep |
| Other Name | Bishig |
| Origin | Pakistan |
| Diet | Graze on grass or pastures |
| Weight | Varies from 100 to 150 pounds |
| Height | 30–50 cm |
| Breed Purpose | Meat Breeds of Sheep |
| Climate Tolerance | Hot and Dry Climate |
| Sexual maturity | 2 years of age |
| Gestation Period | 5–6 month |
| Average Litter Size | 1–2 lambs |
| Temperament | Energetic, docile, calm |
| Color | White with black markings around the eyes and muzzle, although some also have light gray |
| Coat | Short coat, with wool that is slightly longer on the body than on the face |
| Rarity | Varies from rare to common depending on the location |
| As Pets | Not ideal |
| Lifespan | 15 – 20 years |
