The Bardoka (Albanian: Bardhoka) or White Metohian sheep (Albanian: Delja e bardhë e Dukagjinit - White Sheep of the Dukagjin) is a multi-purpose (milk, meat, wool and research) breed of domesticated sheep in Kosovo.[1] It is a popular sheep in Kosovo and partially in Montenegro, Serbia and Albania. This breed appears to adaptable to all environmental conditions especially low temperatures. However, the Bardoka is sensitive to high humidity.[2]

Bardhoka sheep drink from Lumbardh lake in Kosovo

Characteristics

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The Bardoka displays white with pink skin. Both sexes are horned.[3]

Mature rams weigh 65 kg (143 lb) and ewes 50 kg (110 lb) at maturity. At the withers, rams grow to 70 cm (28 in) and ewes 60 cm (24 in). Ewes lactate for approximately 180 days, provide 200 kg (440 lb) of milk with about 7.1% milk fat. At birth, rams weigh 3.5 kg (7.7 lb) and ewes weigh 3.2 kg (7.1 lb).[2]

References

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  1. ^ Gutić, Milenko, Petrović, M., Kurćubić, V., Bogosavljević-Bošković, S., Mandić, L., Dosković, V. Ovčarstvo. Tehnologija Proizvodnje, Čačak 2006, s. 19.
  2. ^ a b "Bardoka/Serbia". Breed data sheet. Domestic Animal Diversity Information System. Retrieved 2009-05-14.
  3. ^ "Breed description: Bardoka". SHEEP in ALBANIA. Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, School of Veterinary Medicine Hannover. Archived from the original on 2008-01-27. Retrieved 2009-05-14.