Performance of Hamdani Sheep in Iraq: A Review.

Abstract: In this article, attempt was made to review the available information on Hamdani sheep which is native especially to the plain areas of Erbil. Hamdani is considered the largest breed among Iraqi sheep. The body is white with a long black and fine-bone head. Both rams and ewes are polled; the ears are very pendulous and most ewes have well developed udders with a large long teat. Hamdani like other Iraqi sheep were exposed over a long period of time to the rigorous and sever semi-dry condition, draught, feed shortage and prevailing disease. Hence, their adaptation to such condition was at the expensive of economic characteristics. Hamdani sheep have a potential for improvement particularly milk which display over whelming ranges. Additionally, hormonal treatment and flushing could improve their reproductive performance. However, the breed is not well characterized and much work should be carried out to explore the potential of this breed for economic traits.