Brazilian Somali

The Brazilian Somali derives from cross-breeding of local sheep with Blackheaded Persian stock imported to Brazil in 1939 from the West Indies.^[5]: 770 It is among the ten Brazilian sheep breeds classified as "naturalised" or "local" in the country; a further thirteen are classed as "exotic".^[6]: 49

In 1972 the total number of the sheep in Brazil was estimated at 120000–160000 head; in 2007 the conservation status of the breed was listed by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations as "not at risk".^[1]: 13 In 2020 a total of 2546 head was reported; and in 2026 the conservation status was listed as "at risk/endangered".^[2]

The Brazilian Somali, like the Blackheaded Persian from which it derives, is white with a black head. It is a hair sheep, growing hair rather than wool; it is polled (hornless) and belongs to the fat-rumped group of breeds.^[5]: 770 Average body weights are about 42 kg for ewes and 70 kg for rams; average heights at the withers are approximately 55 cm and 60 cm respectively.^[2]