Hamed Kioumarsi, a researcher at the Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO) of the Islamic Republic of Iran's Ministry of Agriculture, emphasized the potential benefits of raising Taleshi sheep, particularly for smallholder farmers in northern Iran.
Speaking at the "Livestock of the World" event in October last year, Kioumarsi highlighted the changing climate and its implications for livestock farming. He stressed that raising local breeds such as Taleshi sheep could offer a more environmentally friendly alternative to large-scale, industrialized sheep farming, which contributes to methane (CH4) emissions and environmental damage.
Additionally, it could serve as an effective marketing strategy due to the unique sensorial characteristics and taste of Taleshi meat, favored by consumers in northern Iran.
Taleshi sheep, native to Iran, have a population of approximately 400,000 in the northern part of the country. They are predominantly found in the northern and western regions of Gilan Province, inhabiting mountainous areas between Assalem, Khalkhal, Oshkourat, and Deilaman.
These sheep are known for their adaptability to the local environment and are prized for their small size, meat quality, and the ability to thrive in rain-fed foothills and foothill steppes with an annual rainfall of 1300 mm (51 inches).
Kioumarsi and his colleagues have conducted research aimed at estimating the relationship between carcass quality and quantity in Taleshi lambs. The results indicate that this breed has significant potential for achieving optimal growth performance by utilizing higher levels of energy and protein ratios.
In a changing world where environmental concerns are paramount, Taleshi sheep farming offers both economic benefits for farmers and a more sustainable approach to livestock farming that aligns with the evolving climate challenges.