ABSTRACT
The semiarid tropics of western Venezuela are characterized by high temperatures and limited, irregular rainfall. Some of the extensive areas of grazing land are better suited to the grazing of sheep than of cattle. Hair sheep, known in Venezuela as “West African” or “Red African,” appear to offer considerable potential for increased production. African hair sheep are characterized as dual purpose: they provide both meat and skins. From 1974 to 1979, West African hair sheep were studied in both purebred and crossbred commercial breeding flocks located in the semiarid region near the city of Maracaibo. Weights and some body measurements were recorded on 117 rams and ewes of a well-managed commercial flock of selected Red African sheep. Age was determined by examination of the teeth. The frequencies of natural cycles and of parturitions were studied in 4 flocks of African or African crossbred sheep.
