{{Short description|Breed of sheep}} {{Infobox sheep breed | name = Alai | image = | image_alt = | image_caption = | status = | altname = | country = Kyrgyzstan | nickname = | maleweight = {{Convert|100|kg|lb|sigfig=2|abbr=on}} | femaleweight = {{Convert|60|kg|lb|sigfig=2|abbr=on}} | woolcolor = White with occasional spots | facecolor = | note = }} '''Alai''' is a breed of domesticated sheep found in Kyrgyzstan. This breed is a dual purpose breed raised for its meat and wool.<ref name="OKState"> {{cite web |url=http://www.ansi.okstate.edu/breeds/sheep/alai/index.htm |title=Alai |work=Breeds of Livestock |publisher=Oklahoma State University, Dept. of Animal Science |accessdate=2009-05-08 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081104101912/http://www.ansi.okstate.edu/breeds/sheep/alai/index.htm |archivedate=2008-11-04 }}</ref>
==Characteristics== Rams can be either horned or polled (hornless). However, ewes are only polled.<ref name="OKState"/>
The wool is white with occasional spots on their legs and heads. The wool is semi-coarse and used in carpet. On average rams are {{Convert|83|cm|in|sigfig=2|abbr=on}} at the withers and weigh about {{Convert|100|kg|lb|sigfig=2|abbr=on}}. Ewes, on average, are {{Convert|82|kg|lb|sigfig=2|abbr=on}} at the withers, weighs {{Convert|60|kg|lb|sigfig=2|abbr=on}} and has a little over one lamb per litter.<ref name="DADIS"> {{cite web |url=http://dad.fao.org/ |work=Breed data sheet |title=Alai/Kyrgyzstan |publisher=Domestic Animal Diversity Information System |accessdate=2009-05-08}}</ref>
The Alai is a fat-rump breed and is specifically adapted to living conditions of the Alay Valley region (above {{Convert|3|km|mi|sigfig=2|abbr=on}} above sea level). From 1992 to 2002, the population of Alai in Kyrgyzstan has decreased from 300,000 to 200,000.<ref name="DADIS"/>
==References== {{reflist}}
{{sheep-stub}}
Category:Sheep breeds Category:Sheep breeds originating in Kyrgyzstan