History
Karagouniko sheep are one of the best known and most numerous indigenous sheep breeds. It is identified with the Karagounides a group of Greek pastoralists inhabiting west Thessaly for many centuries. Karagouniko sheep were mentioned in the mid 20th century as a typical representative of plains autochthonous Greek breeds descending from the Zackel group. It is mainly bred in the plains of west Thessaly. Three types were distinguished until 1995: Karditsa, Trikala and Palama. In 1957 a breeding station was established in Palama and in 1978 a genetic improvement programme was initiated and supervised by the Karditsa Center for Genetic Animal Improvement. In 2003 the ‘Karagouniko sheep Co-operative’ was formed. Karagouniko sheep evolved in adverse conditions. It is an animal that can withstand extreme heat and humidity and is also resistant to diseases such as mastitis and piroplasmosis. It is bred in semi-extensive or extensive conditions, usually in herds of 50-300 animals in natural pastureland or in cultivated fields after harvesting. During the lactation period supplement feed is usually needed.
Morphological Traits
The Karagouniko is a long and thin-tailed, coarse-woolled, tall sheep. A high percentage of rams and ewes are polled. Average weight for rams is 80 kg and for ewes 57 kg with average heights 78 cm and 68 cm, respectively.
The skull displays a characteristic convex profile and relatively large, semi-pendulous ears. It has strong limbs. It has a relatively wide tail even though classed as a thin tailed sheep. The head, limbs and tail are free of wool which is of medium length and of poor quality. The Colour varies from pure white to pure black but most frequently is white with small black irregular spots and ticking on the face and limbs.
Population
According to 2019 data from the Centre of Animal Genetics Resources (CAGR) of Karditsa the total population of the Karagouniko breed is approximately 50,000 animals, of which 4,504 females and 2,200 males are registered in the herd book. The status of the breed is considered ‘Not at Risk’.