History
Epirus Orino or Boutsiko is a mountain type sheep, widely viewed as improved Vlach sheep subjected to mild selective breeding and raised under better conditions. A pure herd of the breed was maintained for many years at the ‘Ioannina Center of Agricultural Research’. A synthetic breed, from a standardized population of 50% Epirus Mountain, 25% Karagouniko and 25% Arta sheep was also bred at the Center and was Known for its enhanced productivity. A small number of animals of the above population were kept at the farm of the Agricultural University of Athens. Boutsiko Sheep is a mountain type sheep with relatively satisfactory milk productivity. It retains the Vlach sheep’s small size, hardiness and adaptation to the adverse conditions of mountain pastures. It is hardy, frugal and suitable for breeding under conditions of extensive or semi-extensive pasturing. Certain herds are controlled by the Ioannina CAGR.
Morphological Traits
The Boutsiko is a small sized, thin-tailed breed, with mixed wool. Average weight for rams and ewes are 55 kg and 45 kg, respectively.
It resembles Vlach sheep and has short, slender, strong legs and various coat colours.
Population
According to the Ioannina CAGR data (2019), the total population of the Boutsiko breed is approximately 4,000-5,000 animals. The status of the breed is considered ‘Not at Risk’.