Menorquina
Menorquina
The Menorquina is a native Spanish sheep (Ovis aries Linnaeus, 1758) with a main aptitude for the production of meat and milk.
Systematics –
From a systematic point of view it belongs to:
Eukaryota domain,
Kingdom Animalia,
Phylum Chordata,
Mammalia class,
Order Artiodactyla,
Suborder Ruminantia,
Bovidae family,
Subfamily Caprinae,
Genus Ovis,
O. aries species,
Menorquin race.
Geographic and Area Distribution –
The Menorquina is an autochthonous Spanish breed, originally from the island of Menorca, in the Balearic Islands, in danger of extinction.
The Menorquina sheep has been traditionally raised on the island of Menorca for centuries, where it has adapted its characteristics to local environmental conditions and needs. The Menorquina sheep is known for its resistance and adaptability to the hot and dry climates of the island.
Origins and History –
The Menorquina is a sheep that belongs to the group of autochthonous breeds of the western Mediterranean. Isolation has made it different from the race group to which it belongs. This breed is highly appreciated for the production of meat but also of milk.
This sheep has a long tradition in agriculture on the island of Menorca and represents an important genetic heritage. In recent years, initiatives have been taken to preserve and promote this native breed, recognizing its value from both a cultural and environmental point of view.
The breed already has a Genealogical Book, with regulations published in the Official Bulletin of the Balearic Islands on May 22, 2001.
Morphology –
The Menorquina is a sheep is characterized by an open white fleece and thick irregular fibers. The forehead is invaded by the fleece which forms the so-called “moña”. Animals of both sexes are usually acorns, although sometimes males may have well developed or atrophic acorns.
It is a medium-sized sheep, with a compact and muscular build.
The head is triangular in shape and the average height is 78 cm in the male and 70 cm in the female, with a weight of 70-80 kg for the males and 45-55 kg for the females.
Productive attitude –
It is a dairy breed, good producer, very prolific (almost 70% of double and triple births) and a good mother. Despite its dairy aptitude, the most important income it currently provides comes from the sale of young for consumption, with a highly appreciated meat production and a marketing that favors quality, already consolidated.
These sheep are well adapted to the environment of the island of Menorca, which is characterized by a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers. They are able to tolerate high temperatures and limited grazing well, being hardy and hardy animals.
The Menorquina sheep is best known for its production of meat, which is of excellent quality. The meat is tender and tasty, with a distinctive flavor that derives from the herb and shrub-based diet typical of the island.
Furthermore, these sheep also produce high quality milk, which is used to make traditional cheeses. Milk is high in fat and protein, and is highly prized for its creaminess and unique flavor.
Guido Bissanti
Sources-
– Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
– Daniele Bigi, Alessio Zanon , 2010. Atlas of native breeds. Cattle, horses, sheep, goats, pigs reared in Italy, Edagricole-New Business Media, Bologna.