Akkaraman Sheep: Production Traits, Genetic Diversity, and Flock Performance

Şükrü DOĞAN

doi:10.54498/ETBD.2026.47

Şükrü DOĞAN, İsmail KESKİN

Year : 2026
Vol : 6
Issue : 1
Page : 1-17

DOI : 10.54498/ETBD.2026.47

This study reviewed and synthesized studies published between 2006 and 2025 to comprehensively evaluate the adaptability, socio-economic contributions, and production traits of Akkaraman, one of Türkiye's most important native sheep breeds. The findings indicate that the Akkaraman breed possesses superior adaptability due to its low level of genomic inbreeding and fat-tailed phenotype. The breed serves as a primary source of income and employment for rural family farms, particularly in the Central and Eastern Anatolia regions. Regarding production traits, birth weight ranged between 3.09 and 4.71 kg, 90-day weaning weight ranged between 19.69 and 35.10 kg, 120-day live weight ranged between 28.60 and 34.95 kg, and survival rate ranged between 86.38% and 97.67%. Participation in community-based breeding programs has been shown to significantly increase farm profitability. In conclusion, the Akkaraman sheep is of strategic importance for the sustainability of Turkish sheep farming due to its high genetic diversity and adaptability. The conservation and improvement of this genetic resource can be ensured through planned breeding programs and supportive policies.

Cite this Article As : Doğan, Ş., & Keskin, İ. (2026). Akkaraman koyunu: Verim özellikleri, genetik çeşitlilik ve sürü performansi. Ereğli Tarım Bilimleri Dergisi, 6(1), 1-17.

Description : Yazarların hiçbiri, bu makalede bahsedilen herhangi bir ürün, aygıt veya ilaç ile ilgili maddi çıkar ilişkisine sahip değildir. Araştırma, herhangi bir dış organizasyon tarafından desteklenmedi.Yazarlar çalışmanın birincil verilerine tam erişim izni vermek ve derginin talep ettiği takdirde verileri incelemesine izin vermeyi kabul etmektedirler. None of the authors, any product mentioned in this article, does not have a material interest in the device or drug. Research, not supported by any external organization. grant full access to the primary data and, if requested by the magazine they agree to allow the examination of data.

Akkaraman Sheep: Production Traits, Genetic Diversity, and Flock Performance, Review Article,
2026, Vol. 6 (1)

Received : 17.04.2026, Accepted : 09.06.2026 , Published Online : 29.06.2026