A million dollars for a ram - an amazing deal took place in Kyrgyzstan
Tengrinews.kz — A million dollars for a single ram: that is the price paid in Kyrgyzstan for a pedigree specimen of the Arashan meat-and-fat breed. The deal took place at an international festival dedicated to the development of the breed.
The information regarding the event was confirmed by the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry of Kyrgyzstan.
Ram valued at one million dollars
The sold ram belongs to the lineage of the famous breeder Frankel. In 2023, the ram itself was purchased in Kazakhstan for $150,000. Today, its offspring are valued significantly higher.
Photo: Ministry of Agriculture of Kyrgyzstan
The deal took place at an international festival dedicated to the development of the Arashan breed. The event brought together farmers and specialists from Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Russia, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan.
Origins of the Arashan breed
The Arashan breed was officially registered in Kyrgyzstan in 2021, although breeding work has been ongoing since the 1970s. It was created using Gissar rams imported from Tajikistan and local coarse-wool sheep.
Photo: Ministry of Agriculture of Kyrgyzstan
Over several decades, breeders selected animals with the most desirable meat and economic characteristics, gradually forming a new breed line. As a result, the Arashan has been adapted to both high-altitude pastures and steppe conditions.
What makes Arashan famous
According to the Ministry of Agriculture of Kyrgyzstan, sheep of this breed are distinguished by high meat productivity and a large yield of tail fat. They are also capable of enduring long-distance drives and are suitable for stall-feeding.