Morada Nova
Morada Nova sheep are a Brazilian hair sheep breed from the dry northeast, especially Ceara and surrounding semi-arid regions. They are small to medium, usually polled, and most often red or reddish brown, with a white variety also recognized in some accounts. Instead of producing a heavy wool fleece, they carry a short hair coat suited to heat, sun, and seasonal forage. The breed is known as a maternal, meat-oriented sheep for smallholders, and it has contributed to the development and management of other tropical hair-sheep populations in Brazil.
These sheep are best understood as animals of the Caatinga and similar hot environments, not as high-input feedlot sheep. They can make use of browse, crop residues, and sparse pasture, but ewes still need added feed when drought coincides with late pregnancy or nursing. Shade, clean water, and careful mineral balance are practical necessities in dry country. Conservation breeding is important because Morada Nova numbers have been diluted by crossing with larger meat breeds; buyers who want the breed's adaptation should look for flocks that keep type, coat, polled heads, and maternal performance in view.
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
