West African Dwarfs (also known as Djallonkes) are the
dominant sheep breed from southwest to central Africa. They are found from
Senegal to Chad, Gabon, Cameroon and the Republic of the Congo. They are well
adapted to life in humid forested area, sub-humid areas and savannahs. They are
primarily raised for meat.
West African Dwarfs are generally white or piebald, their
front half is black and their back half is white. However, skewbald (tan on
white) and blackbelly patterns are found, and the Kirdi type are specially
selected to be entirely black.
The rams weigh approximately 37 kg (82 lb), have a
well-developed throat ruff, and are usually horned. Their horns are wide at the
base, curve backwards, outwards and then forwards again, with a maximum of one
and a half coils. Ewes weigh about 25 kg (55 lb) and are usually polled
(hornless), but may have slender short horns. Their ears are short and
pendulous, their neck is long and slender, their chest is deep, their legs are
short, their back is long and dished, and their tail reaches the hocks.
On average, the ewes produce 1.15 to 1.50 lambs per lambing.
They are highly tolerant of trypanosome.
About West African Dwarfs Sheep
