OREANDA-NEWS. May 4, 2009. The spring shearing campaign has started in Turkmenistan. According to the Turkmenmallary Association over 1.5 million heads of small livestock at 59 stock-farms throughout the country will be sheared.

This year over 14 million heads of small livestock are to be sheared. Shearing helps sheep to put on weight. In the southeastern regions the shearing campaign is in full swing. It will finish in mid May because the quality of wool deteriorates in the hot weather. Due to the climatic conditions the shearing campaign in the northern region - Dashoguz Velayat will start within the next few weeks.

The necessary conditions were created for shearers. Many of them can shear over 100 sheep during a shift. One sheep gives 1.8 – 2 kg of high-quality wool. Wool sheared in spring is of high quality and that is why a major part of it is exported. Strong silky wool of sheep of the local saraja breed used mainly to weave carpets, and karakul wool used to make felt goods are famous all over the world.

According to the Turkmenmallary Association, livestock breeders designed the monthly work plan providing for construction of sheepfolds. Sheep breeders in the Mary Velayat have started to construct a sheepfold for 1,000 sheep. Livestock breeders of other regions will adopt their methods.