This breed was developed in the Huangchen District of Gansu Province, China, by crossing Mongolian or Tibetan with Xinjiang Fine-wool and then with some fine-wool breeds from USSR, such as Caucasian and Salsk. The Huangchen District is located in the pastoral area of the Quilan Mountains, about 37.5°N and 101°-130° E. It is high and cold, with an altitude of 2,600 to 4,000 m, an annual mean temperature 0°-3.8°C (extreme lowest temperature -30°C), an annual precipitation of 257-461 mm, and an average humidity 35-58%. The sheep are well adapted to this particular ecological condition The average weight of grease fleece in ewes is about 4.6 kg, and the wool quality is 60-64's (20-25 μm). This breed has been approved by the Gansu Provincial Government.

 

 

References

Cheng, P. (1984) Livestock Breeds of China. Animal Production and Health Paper 46 (E, F, S,). Publ. by FAO, Rome, 217 pp.