History
The Agrinio breed evolved in the lowlands surrounding Agrinion and Amphilochia in Aetoloakarnania. Agrinion sheep are thought to be related to the Katsika breed. Few pure herds remain because in recent decades there was much crossing with breeds such as Arta and East Friesland sheep. It appears well adapted to the humid and swampy expanses of the region. Agrinion sheep were bred in relatively large herds, housed in traditional installations and grazed on the local vegetation which was especially rich during the rainy season. They tend to be the breeders’ main source of income, selling their milk to local cheese industries.
Morphological Traits
Agrinion sheep are large sized, coarse-woolled and thin-tailed. Average weight for rams and ewes is 72 kg and 58 kg respectively. The height at the withers of rams and ewes is 76 cm and 67 cm respectively.
Rams have large, strong, spiral horns. Ewes are normally hornless. The head is large and conical, with a slightly convex profile. The ears are relatively large and semi-pendulous. The limbs are long and strong.
The head, underbelly and limbs are free of wool though a few ewes have a forelock. Body colour is usually white with black areas round the eyes, ears and limbs. Animals with large black markings on the body or solid black are rare.
Population
According to 2019 data from the Athens CAGR, the total population of the Agrinion breed is less than 900 animals. The breed is classified as ‘Vulnerable’.