History
Kokovitiko Sheep were named after the village of Kokova (currently Skotani) in the mountain regions of Achaia (Peloponnese). According to an alternative view they were named after Akova, a medieval village, near Vyziki in Gortynia (Arcadia). Kokovitiko sheep were bred in the hard trodden mountain areas of the Arcadia, Elia, Achaia and Messinia prefectures. In recent years the last small herds are bred around Kontovazena (Arcadia). The breed possibly evolved from the Peloponnese mountain sheep and is adapted to the harsh climate and terrain of the region. They are hardy and frugal animals, traditionally bred in small herds. Kokovotiko sheep are the main source of income for their breeders,-people of a generally low standard of living whose livestock is kept under the most basic installations. The breed’s nutrition mainly depends on the availability of snow-free pastures.
Morphological Traits
The Kokovitiko is a small-sized, coarse-woolled, thin-tailed sheep. Its conformation is that of mountain type sheep. Average weight for rams is 56 kg and ewes 41 kg. Height at the withers for rams is 63 cm and ewes 55 cm.
Rams have large, strong, spiral horns while ewes are polled. The head is small and conical with a straight profile. The ears are small and rather erect. Many animals have very small pinnas or lack them entirely. The limbs are short and sturdy. The tail is long and narrow.
The entire body with the exception of the face and the lower limbs is covered by long dense wool which provides efficient protection from the cold. Forelocks are well developed, often reaching the eyes. The colour is uniform. The body is white, with rare exceptions, while the face and the limbs have black spots of variable size.
Population
The breed is classified as ‘Endangered’ since the total population of the Kokovitiko breed is estimated at 400 animals.