Altay sheep (a specialty of Altay, Xinjiang)

The basic introduction of Altay sheep

Altay sheep, also known as Altay big tailed sheep, is a specialty of Altay region in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is a national geographical indication protected product in China. The protected production area of Altay sheep covers seven counties and cities in Altay region of Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, including Altay City, Burqin County, Habahe County, Jimunai County, Fuhai County, Fuyun County, and Qinghe County

Altay sheep is a branch of Kazakh sheep species known for its large size and high fat production performance. Known for its large size and high meat fat production performance, it is one of the excellent local sheep breeds in Xinjiang, with characteristics such as tolerance to rough feeding, resistance to severe cold, good trekking, sturdy physique, early maturity, strong stress resistance, and suitability for grazing. Under the conditions of year-round grazing and seasonal transfer of pastures, there is still a strong ability to gain weight

The formation of Altay sheep breeds is closely related to the diligent breeding of Kazakh herders under year-round nomadic conditions and long-term domestication under local ecological environment conditions. The sheep herd follows the herders' long-distance transitions throughout the four seasons for grazing. The unique natural environment and long-term domestication have enabled sheep to have a large body size, strong limbs, well-developed muscles, and the ability to travel long distances. During the transition period, it can endure hunger and thirst, resist cold and heat, and has strong disease resistance. Can regulate the metabolic balance of the body on its own. Grabbing and fattening are fast, with high meat fat production performance. Lambs grow and develop quickly with prominent early maturity. The meat is fresh, tender and delicious, without any gamey taste, and has nourishing and medicinal effects. It is a pollution-free green food

Altay lamb contains high protein and abundant vitamins. The melting point of fat in Altay lamb is 47 degrees, because the human body temperature is 37 degrees, it will not be absorbed even if eaten, so it is not easy to gain weight. Altay lamb meat is tender and easy to digest. Eating more can improve physical fitness and enhance disease resistance. Therefore, people often say, 'If you want to live a long life, eat lamb meat regularly.'. Swiss scientists found that there is a kind of CLA fatty acid in beef and mutton, which has obvious effect on the treatment of cancer. Under the effect of CLA, the growth of cancer cells is inhibited and gradually reduced, which has obvious effect on the treatment of skin cancer, colon cancer and breast cancer. The experiment also proved that sheep raised on grasslands have higher levels of CLA in their bodies

In the north of Altay sheep production area is Altay Mountain, which is high in the west and low in the east. The highest Youyi Peak in the west is 4374 meters above sea level. Mountain areas above 3200 meters are mostly covered in snow throughout the year and are the source of the Ertix River. The mountainous areas at 1400-3200 meters have abundant precipitation and lush forests and grasslands, making them the main summer pastures. Especially in mountainous pastures, it is humid and cool, with excellent grass quality. The unique terrain and climate are not only suitable for the growth and development of Altay sheep, but also conducive to the accumulation of nutrients and energy, forming a large body, fresh and tender meat without any gamey taste

Due to its warm nature, it has functions such as warming the spleen and stomach, nourishing the body deficiency, and nourishing and slimming after consumption. Altay lamb has always been regarded as one of the important foods for winter nourishment. Eating Altay lamb meat regularly in cold winter can nourish qi and deficiency, promote blood circulation, and enhance the ability to keep warm. Altay lamb can also increase digestive enzymes, protect the stomach wall, and help with digestion. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that lamb has the functions of tonifying the kidneys, strengthening yang, nourishing yin, and replenishing blood. It is suitable for both men and women of all ages to consume regularly

Fresh lamb: The muscle color is light red and shiny, with obvious layering of fat and muscle. It has a normal odor of fresh lamb, without any gamey or off flavors

Frozen lamb: The muscles are shiny, the meat is deep red, and the fat and muscle layers are obvious

Awards and honors for Altay sheep

Altay big tailed sheep is a nationally renowned excellent sheep breed