The Origins of the Turcana Sheep Breed Varieties and the Migration of the Populations to the Main Breeding Areas

Abstract

The insular breeding system dictated by the area in which the populations of Turcana sheep breed were formed and by the way in which the selection activities were oriented, in these geographical Romanian areas, has created a series of colour varieties, with certain performance characteristics, which have notable differences from each other.  Thus, depending on the use of related individuals of the same colour for reproduction, the following varieties were formed: Turcana bucalaie, Turcana bala, Turcana breaza and Turcana oachesa. All these varieties have the chance and can become in time self-sustaining breeds, which can improve the genetic heritage of the sheep species in Romania and in the world.