Assaf

Assaf sheep are a modern dairy breed developed in Israel from Awassi and East Friesian sheep. The cross was designed to keep much of the Awassi's heat tolerance, fat-tailed background, and ability to use semi-arid pasture while adding the higher milk yield and prolificacy associated with East Friesian dairy animals. Assaf are generally large, white to cream sheep with a dairy frame, long ears, and a less extreme tail than traditional Awassi in many lines. They are best known as flock animals for commercial sheep milk and cheese production, especially in Israel and parts of southern Europe.

In practical flocks, Assaf need the management expected of a high-producing dairy ewe rather than that of a low-input hill sheep. Records on lambing, milk yield, udder health, and breeding are useful, and nutrition has to match late pregnancy and lactation. Lambs may be raised on ewes or managed under systems that reserve milk for processing. Warm-climate tolerance is a strength, but shade, clean water, foot care, parasite control, and calm handling around the milking parlor still have a direct effect on performance.

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