Dairy Sheep- Assaf Traditional Cache

It is estimated that approximately 100 farms in the U.S. are now milking ewes. Sheep dairy
farms are spread throughout the country with the largest concentration located in northwestern
Wisconsin.

The Assaf now has double the milk production of the Awassi. The Assaf is a cross between the Awassi and the East Friesian. The original aim of the researchers of the Israeli Agricultural Research Organization (ARO) was to improve the fertility of the Awassi. The project was commenced in 1955. The result was the Assaf which is 3/8 East Friesian and 5/8 Awassi. Most Israeli dairy breeders are using the Assaf. As well as being a high-producing milk sheep, it produces excellent mutton and has adapted well to extensive management systems. Ewes lamb three times in two years and have an annual milk production of 450 litres. Assafs are now exported to Peru, Chile, Portugal and Spain.