Karakul: Wool Educational Material for the Clothing Industry

Minor Breeds: Karakul

MATURE BODY WEIGHT

Ram 175-225 lb.
Ewe 100-150 lb.

AVERAGE fiber DIAMETER

Micron 36-25
Spinning Count 58-44

GREASE FLEECE WEIGHT

Ewe 5-10 lb.

YIELD

80-85%

STAPLE LENGTH

6-12"

Native to deserts of Central Asia, the Karakul is one of the world's oldest breeds. They are fine-boned and open-faced with long pendulous ears and a fat tail used as an energy reserve. They are hardy, adaptable, easy lambers with strong maternal instincts, have an extended breeding season with low prolificacy and are noted for their longevity. Fleece colors include black, silver, blue, gray, tan, reddish brown and white. Lambs are born with a lustrous "Persian lamb fur" fleece coat. Karakuls produce a long-stapled, light-weight, often double-coated fleece with excellent felting qualities.

Learn more about sheep & wool from the following resources.

Wool Research 

Wool fiber

Sheep Glossary

Benefits of Wool

Sheep Wool Grades

Wool Definition