Acıpayam
Acıpayam sheep are a Turkish composite breed associated with Acıpayam in Denizli Province in southwestern Anatolia. They were developed using local Dağlıç sheep with Awassi, known in Turkey as İvesi, and East Friesian influence to improve milk yield, lamb growth, and flock fertility while keeping a body type suited to regional farms. Acıpayam animals are usually white, medium to large, and often described as semi-fat-tailed, with a practical dual-purpose emphasis rather than a show-ring identity.
On farms, Acıpayam sheep are used for milk, lamb production, and replacement ewes in semi-intensive systems. They make best use of good pasture when available but need supplemental feed during late pregnancy, lactation, and dry periods. Selection commonly weighs udder shape, mothering, lamb survival, and heat tolerance. Because the breed grew out of a planned improvement program, careful flock records help preserve its identity against routine crossbreeding with other Turkish dairy or fat-tailed sheep. Routine hoof, parasite, and mastitis control remain important management concerns.
Colors: Badgerface, Black, Blackbelly, Broken, Brown, Gray, Grey, Gulmoget, Katmoget, Moorit, Piebald, Red, Roan, Silver, Solid, Spotted, Tan, White, White with Black Points, White with Brown Points
