Karakul. Gift from the Arid Land Namibia 1907 - 2007

Author: Brenda Bravenboer
Advisor: Berndt von Kunow
Publisher: Karakul Board of Namibia; Karakul Breeders' Society of Namibia
Windhoek, 2007
ISBN: 978-99916-68-89-5
Soft cover, 17x24 cm, 400 pages, 550 colour and bw-photographs, tables and sketches

Einzigartige Dokumentation der Karakulzucht und -verarbeitung in Südwestafrika, später Namibia, bildreich und unterhaltsam geschrieben

Description:

This is the story of the Karakul in Namibia - their origin, how they came to be in the country and their status today.

It documents the development of the Karakul industry and the commitment of the Karakul Board, the Karakul Breeders' Society, the stud breeders and the commercial pelt producers as well as the dedicated pioneers. The development of large parts of arid areas in Namibia would not have been possible had it not been for the Karakul.

It gave agriculture a stimulus that not only benefited the economy but also leads to the establishment and maintenance of a healthy balance between the ecosystem and its agricultural utilization for the welfare of man.

The Karakul sheep was a perfect solution for turning arid sandy and rocky wastes into productive land, because it could be raised profitably in an inhospitable environment. Since the 1960s, Karakul pelts from Namibia are known as swakara (trade mark) (South West African Karakul) and are marketed as such internationally.

The spectacular and beautiful Shallow Curl and Watered Silk pelts soon earned world recognition and from the outset renowned fur designers and craftsmen were eager to work with this magnificent, new and easy to handle, unique type of Karakul fur.

The role of the Government in the 100 years of Karakul industry has been of great significance. Patient breeding techniques began to pay off. The development of the Shallow and Watered Silk Curl at Neudamm was decisive for the Karakul industry, expanding from its modest beginnings in 1907 into a multimillion dollar enterprise.

Karakul research and breeding experiments carried out on three research stations, stimulated a fast-growing branch of farming. Government research and applicable results were disseminated to all parties concerned over the years and contributed considerably to attaining the current standard of excellence.

The Karakul (also referred to as the Black Diamond) made it possible to farm and make a living in the vast arid south of Namibia. The Karakul is the gift to the arid land and the pelts they produce are the gift from the arid land.

Foreword by Dr Nickey lyambo, Minister of Agriculture, Water and Forestry:

Congratulations on one hundred years of Karakul sheep farming in Namibia! This is a remarkable achievement in the history of our country that warrants proper documentation in the form of a book. This will remind all of us and our descendants of the impact an industry can have on the welfare of a whole nation.

When reading this book the reader is struck by the dedication, commitment and passion of everybody involved during the development of the Karakul industry in Namibia.

Within Namibia, the Karakul industry has significantly helped to shape the landscape, especially in the southern and western rural areas. Most towns and villages in these areas have their farming infrastructure and communication routes originating from the Karakul farming industry.

The contribution of the Karakul sheep to the social and economic development can be compared to the diamond rush at the turn of the previous century and hence the appropriate reference to Namibian Karakul pelts as black diamonds. On the international scene, the Namibian Karakul fur has established itself firmly in the upper echelons of the world fur trade in terms of quality and uniqueness that are characteristics of the pelts.

It is fitting to remember an event as far back as 1930 in Leipzig, when the distinct features of our Karakul pelts were for the first time announced by the fur trade. In fact, the distinction between the Karakul pelts originating from Namibia as opposed to pelts from other Karakul producing countries was the impetus for the later registration of Namibia's own trade mark swakara.

The development of the superb quality pelts came over a long period of dedicated breeding and therefore it is correct to highlight the farsightedness of breeders like Mr AD Thompson; the former SWA Karakul Breeders' Association, which is known today as the Karakul Breeders' Society of Namibia; fur traders; and the State.

This accomplishment can be attributed to the perfect combination of expertise from the public and private sectors and the skilful employment of the country's genetic resources, the State's facilities at its experimental farms and all devoted researchers and extension staff. I wish to single out the role of the Karakul Board of Namibia for optimally utilising the country's legal and agricultural institutions to lead the industry from a near collapse in the early 1980s due to a drastic drop in fur prices, to new heights in the international fur markets.

Within a span of 25 years the Board succeeded in changing the perception of the fur traders, fashion designers and consumers away from Karakul as "just another fur" to the new concept of swakara being a specialised design fashion. Today the industry, although small in terms of the GDP, has the potential to once again bring social upliftment and economic upswing to rural communities.

Government views the industry as a key to revive development in especially the drier, less resource-endowed areas of the country. I am proud of the efficient, fair and just partnership between the State and the Karakul industry's participants that has existed for a century and I trust that this manner of excellent co-operation will encourage and motivate the rest of the agricultural sector to follow their example.

I also recognise that the silk-like fur, as well as the colourful carpets crafted from Karakul wool, play an ambassadorial role, because these products are being traded all over the world and thereby promote the richness of our beloved country. On behalf of the Ministry and the agricultural sector, I salute the Karakul industry for what it has contributed to the well-being of Namibia and I wish the industry all the best for the next one hundred years.

Preface by Kobus van Wyk, Chairman Karakul Board of Namibia and Karakul Breeders' Society of Namibia:

The importation of Karakul sheep to South West-Africa in 1907 had positive consequences for the country and its people. For the past 100 years the Karakul industry has made an outstanding contribution to financial growth, infrastructure development and sustainable agriculture in most parts of Namibia.

The very nature and adaptability of Karakul sheep inspired farmers, breeders, researchers and technical experts to the process of committed breeding and selection, the aim being retarded curl with short lustrous fibre. These naturally produced light-weight variations of Flat, Broadtail and Galliac pelts with their satin-like lustre has made Namibia renowned as the leading Karakul producing country in the world.

Over the years there has always been someone with both vision and passion to take Karakul farming and breeding that one step further. Although the brand name swakara entered the world market in 1966 as a mark of origin it also developed as a mark of quality over the years, swakara is not just fur, it is fashion material.

Today the swakara trade mark has a strong personality with distinct features and attributes that are apparent and set it apart. This trade mark is a strong marketing asset in global acting and should always be protected and promoted.

The current highly competitive globalised fur industry sets new quality standards for products and demands new marketing strategies. May the present and future generations continue to find wisdom in the successes of the past and ensure high quality fur production that meet consumer demands. This will not only secure a fair market share for swakara but will always keep Namibia a world leader amongst fur-producing countries.

This memorial book is a milestone in the history of the Karakul in Namibia and pays tribute to everyone who was and is part of this unique story. May all who read it recognize his or her personal contribution and honour the pioneers. There is pride and satisfaction in the knowledge that what was done was truly remarkable and sets a challenge for future role players.

Extract: Stock Farming in German SWA 1906-1907

In 1891 the DKS (Deutsche Kolonialgesellschaft) founded the farm Kubub south of Aus and it was the first settlement that was established with the support of German capital.

In that same year the DKS imported Merino sheep from the Cape Colony. By 1893 there were 4 000 wool sheep on Kubub. Later that year, on 6 November, Hendrik Witbooi (Witbooi Namas) attacked the farm and stole all the stock. After this event the manager of Kubub relocated to the farm Nomtsas near Maltahohe where he advised potential settlers and farmers to concentrate on wool farming.

During the Nama and Herero wars (1904-1906) many white settlers moved back across the Gariep River to the northern Cape and took their animals with them. The wars had a devastating effect on farming and every aspect of the agricultural sector suffered tremendous setbacks. Areas that were only marginally affected were Outjo, Grootfontein and Rehoboth. Sheep farming was in very bad shape, especially in 1906-1907 when in the Gibeon district 50 000 sheep died of an unknown disease.

After the Nama and Herero wars the areas in the south and north of SWA respectively were brought under military control and a new era dawned in SWA. The number of farms increased rapidly. Farmers from SA preferred to settle in the southern part of the country (the area most suited for sheep farming), while the German farmers preferred the north which receives more rainfall and has lush vegetation. During the wars many animals died. The losses had to be recovered and the needs of the new settlers had to be provided for.

The German Government insisted on the importation of well-bred animals for which good prices would be obtained and which would ensure a place on the world market. With this in mind, Dr Friedrich von Lindequist, who was familiar with the plans of Paul Thorer and the research done by Dr Kühn, and who was now in close contact with both Kuhn and Thorer, made it possible for the first Karakul sheep from Buchara to enter the country. With the substantial contribution made by von Lindequist, the foundation was laid for the establishment of a Karakul stud in SWA.

Dr Kühn reported in 1906 that Buchara had produced some 385 000 pelts during 1905 and these pelts were sold for six million Mark in Leipzig. During the formative years, House Thorer put a lot of effort into the development of this stud by means of encouragement, advice and leading by example. Von Lindequist was very conversant with conditions in SWA. During the time of Governor Leutwein (1894-1895) Von Lindequist was a magistrate in Windhoek and also served as acting Governor in the country until 1899.

During 1905 von Lindequist replaced Leutwein as the first civil governor until 1907 when Bruno von Schuckmann took over from him. Also in his new position as Under Secretary of Colonies in Germany, von Lindequist looked after the interests of SWA. During Von Lindequist's period as governor, Dr Hintrager became familiar with Von Lindequist's plans. As first reporter of His Excellency Governor Von Schuckmann, Dr Hintrager contributed in a very special way to the execution of these plans.

In this regard it should be noted that a director in the Brandenburg Department of Agriculture, namely Mr U Telschow, who was also an expert in the field of sheep breeding, in a report dated 10 February 1907, addressed to the Division of Colonies in the Department of Foreign Affairs stated the following:

'... inspired by the possible export of sheep to SWA which should take place shortly...'.

He refers with candour to the Karakul sheep as a breed that was highly suited for the colonies. Furthermore, he based his statement on, among others, the slight profitability of meat production in the remote colonies and the value of 'Persianer' pelts as a trade article on the world market. In 1906 Governor Von Lindequist expressed his concern about the fact that wool sheep farming was not too successful and it appeared that the sheep were not as well disposed to the climate of SWA as what they were to the climate in the neighbouring Cape Colony.

After the Nama and Herero wars Governor Von Lindequist launched a rebuilding scheme. The German Government granted 10 million Mark to this scheme and also provided individual settlers with financial assistance. The number of farms increased considerably and the demand for sheep and goats was extremely good as meat prices were high. The income from the export of small stock amounted to 1 425 Mark in 1908 while a further income, obtained from the export of wool, amounted to 18 911 Mark.

Up until June 1908, some 6 681 wool sheep had been imported to SWA and there were great expectations for the wool sheep industry. Fat-tailed Persian sheep and German Shropshiredown rams were crossed with local fat-tailed sheep to deliver heavier carcases. Much attention was also given to wool sheep, Angora goats and ostriches in 1908. Von Lindequist, still Under Secretary of Colonies in Germany, entered into negotiations with House Thorer on the purchasing of Karakul from Buchara.

To accommodate this large House Thorer consignment, the German Government had to forego its plans for the simultaneous import of Angora goats and set the entire budget for breeding animals aside for the exclusive purchase of Karakul sheep. Von Lindequist visited Germany in late 1906 and early 1907 and used this opportunity to visit the Karakul stud of Dr Adametz in Gross-Enzersdorf where he intended to purchase some Karakul for German SWA.

However, all the Karakul had already been sold but Adametz was willing to set aside twelve Karakul from the next consignment from Buchara, for Von Lindequist. On 8 April 1907 Dr Adametz made two rams and ten ewes available for the sum of 2 400 Mark. The German Government was not only willing to foot the bill for this amount but also asked that the German Administration inform them whether they were interested in purchasing more Karakul.

In Von Lindequist's report to the Division of Colonies of the Department of Foreign Affairs dated 16 May 1907, he made mention of the purchase of the twelve purebred Karakul sheep - ten ewes and two rams - from Buchara and also referred to the report of Telschow. Moreover, he wrote that Dr Kuhn had confirmed the possibility of success with Karakul sheep in SWA and pointed out that a substantial number of these sheep had recently been imported by the then Dean of the Agricultural University in Vienna, Dr Adametz, from Buchara.

Furthermore, Adametz had been carrying out research on these Karakul sheep since 1904. These animals came from the stud of Leontowicz of Balta which had in 1880 been imported from Buchara to the district Poltawa in the Ukraine and had been bred on the purebred basis. His letter read further

'... Dr Adametz did not want to make any promises that the animals that would be purchased by his highly experienced assistant, Dr Dure, could be parted with, but that he foresaw the possibility of an agreement which could be brokered with one of the other buyers.'

This indeed occurred in Vienna and that as the deal that was signed there on 8 April 1907. Von Lindequist then immediately departed for Vienna and only returned to Windhoek for a short farewell visit.

The Import of Karakul Sheep to SWA -1907

Meanwhile preparations were being made for the arrival of the first Karakul in the country. The Administration was under the impression that 25 Karakul were shipped from Hamburg - which in fact was not the case. The veterinarian stationed at Friedrichsfelde near Karibib was requested to arrange for personnel to accompany the sheep on the train from Swakopmund to Windhoek.

He also had to inform the chief veterinarian at Gammams of their arrival in Friedrichsfelde. Unfortunately Von Lindequist could not be present when the first Karakul arrived in Swakopmund on 24 September 1907 and they were sent on to Windhoek the very same day. It was reported to the German Government that the sheep were adapting well to their new surroundings and that their arrival had created great interest.

After the arrival of the first twelve Karakul sheep in Windhoek, they were taken to the Bacteriological Institute at Gammams just outside of Windhoek, where some of the ewes lambed in the meantime. It was Von Lindequist's wish that six of the sheep be given to Albert Voigts of Voigtsgrund near Mariental and the rest to another experienced farmer. Voigts was so eager to receive the Karakul, that even before they arrived in Swakopmund, he offered to fetch the animals from Windhoek. This could not be done immediately but eventually happened on 8 June 1908, when Voigts received five ewes with three lambs and one ram.

These sheep formed the core of the later well-known Voigtsgrund stud. Dr Bail of the farm Naitsas near Grootfontein received the other three ewes and one ram but they all died. One ewe remained at Gammams and of the last remaining ewe no mention is made but she probably also stayed at Gammams - so the Government Stud consisted of two ewes at that time.

The arrival of the Karakul sheep gave rise to a new enterprise in agriculture, namely Karakul farming. Only time would tell whether this enterprise would be rewarding for the country and its people - experience and expertise were still lacking but would gather momentum as the years went by. […]

Contents:

Glossary
Foreword: Minister of Agriculture, Water and Forestry
Preface: Chairman of the Karakul Board and Karakul Breeders Society
Author's Note and Acknowledgments
Karakul Board of Namibia - Vision and Mission
Origin of Karakul Sheep
Distinguishing Sheep from Sheep
Buchara Karakul
Karakul in Afghanistan
Import of Karakul to Germany
100 Years of Karakul Farming in Germany
Stock Farming in SWA
The Black-headed Persian
Afrikaner sheep
South West Africa Placed under German Protection
Stock Farming in German SWA 1906-1907
The Import of Karakul Sheep to SWA - 1907
Ideal Karakul Habitat
Karakul Build and Physical Features
Head
Neck and forequarters
Mid-piece
Hindquarters
Tail
Docking
The Pros and Cons of Docking
Castration
Legs
Hair covering (Wool)
Life-span
The Eco-Lamb
Natural Birth
Culling Procedure
Cleaving and skinning
Traceability
Washing of pelts
Splaying of pelts
Drying
Storage
Physiological Features
Herd Instinct and Grazing Habits
Environment
Adaptability
Fertility
Lambing percentage
Gestation period
Puberty
Weaning age
Reproduction age
Birth weight
Normal adult weightGestation Period and Birth Weight of Karakul Lambs
The Occurrence of Lethal and other Congenital Defects
Sub-lethal factor in grey Karakul sheep
Sub-vital factor in white Karakul sheep
Colours
Black
Grey
Brown
Sur (Brown)
White
Spotted Karakul (White stains or markings in purebred black Karakul)
The Inheritance of the Colour White in White Karakul
The Inheritance of grey and brown colours
Other Karakul Products
Karakul hair (wool)
Lamb carcases
Mutton production
Classification as Persian Lamb
Characteristics of Persian Lamb
Different Curl Types
Watered Silk (WS)
Shallow Curl (VL)
Developed Shallow Curl (0V)
Pipe Curl (PK)
Pelts and Colour
Karakul Breeding Methods
Breeding purebred Karakul flocks
Upgrading
Karakul in German SWA 1908 to 1910
German Government Guidelines with regard to the Karakul - 1910
Karakul Imported 1911 to 1914
Distribution of Karakul Sheep in German SWA - 1913
East
North
North-west
Central
South
The Government Stud and the Provision of Rams
First Pelts from German SWA Sold in Leipzig 1913
Animal Clinics
Diseases
Pulpy kidney (Enterotoxaemia)
Clinical symptoms
Post-mortem
Pasteurella (contagious pneumonia)
Clinical Symptoms
Treatment
Sheep Scab
Treatment
Brucellosis (ram disease)
Clinical Symptoms
Prophylaxis
Blue Tongue
Clinical Symptoms
Foot-rot
Treatment
Internal parasites (worms)
Treatment
The Sheepfly [Oestrus ovis (nasal/head worms)]
Treatment
External parasites
Ticks
Poisonous Plants
Geigeria ornativa
Bietou - Prussic acid (HCN, Cyanide Poisoning)
Stimulating and Inhibiting Factors in German SWA 1907 to 1915
The First World War
Karakul Farming during and after the First World War - 1915 to 1927
The Government Stud
Export of Karakul to SA - 1916 and their return to SWA - 1924
Thompson's Observations
Photographing Lambs for Record Purposes
Economics in SWA after the First World War
Establishment of the SWA Karakul Breeders' Society - 6 June 1919
Post-War Depression 1919 to 1922
Government Stud: Relocation from Otjituesu to Neudamm
Karakul Farming - 1920s
House Thorer
House Thorer's'Share Flocks'
International Marketing of Karakul Pelts
SWA Karakul Zentrale
Official Recognition as Persian Lamb - SWA Persianer
House Thorer and the Import of Purebred Karakul Breeding Stock -1920 to 1950
Offer from House Thorer to Purchase Karakul Sheep on behalf of the SWAA
KBS - Karakul Stud-book - 1925
High Grade Register - 1936
Karakul Performance Register - 1936
Basic Register/Appendix Register - 1952
South African Stud Book (sic)
First Karakul Registrations in SA Stud Book
Ordinance 11 of 1932
Registration of the Government Stud
KBS 1927
Stock Farming in SWA - Late 1920s
Wool sheep (Merinos)
Slaughter sheep (mutton production)
Meat export 1921 to 1928
Drought 1928 to 1933
World Depression 1929 to 1932
The Start of Breeding White Karakul
Breeding of the First Brown Karakul
Breeding of the First Grey Karakul
Georg Geronimus
Number of Purebred Studs - 1937
Controversy between the KBS and the SWAA regarding Breeding Policy at Neudamm
Establishment of the Karakul Industry Advisory Board of SWA
House Thorer - Involvement and Expansion
Swartkobus
Duwisib and Naudaus
Gross-Nabas
Haribes
Voigtsgrund
Pelt Export to Germany within the Boundaries of the Wool Agreement
Foreign Exchange
Shortage of Karakul Rams
Export Ban of Karakul to the Union
Statistics of Karakul Sheep in SA
Karakul in SWA, SA, Afghanistan and Russia
Reasons for the Second World War
Karakul Farming during the Second World War - 1939 to 1945
The Effect of the War on the Thorer Undertakings in SWA
The Drought Years and Overgrazing - 1930s and 1940s
Flock Numbers
Stock Numbers -1939 to 1948
Rainfall in 1946 - reflecting the percentage of Karakul versus cattle
Education and Training
Research Stations - 1907 to 1957
Neudamm
Omatjenne
Gellap-Ost
Kalahari Research Station
Government Stud: Colour Breeding
Further Development of Karakul Farming in South Africa
The Livestock and Meat Industries Control Board
SA Karakul Industry Committee
Karakul Farming on a Sound Basis and Sustained Development
of the Industry - 1927 to 1957
The Long-Term Agricultural Policy Commission of 1948
Breeding
Local and International Politics
The Contract Migrant Labourer System
Veterinary Cordon Fence and Control Posts
Foot-and-Mouth Control Areas - 1994
Shepherds - Ovambo Labour on Karakul Farms
Jackal-Proof Fencing
Camp system
Neudamm Agricultural CollegeKarakul Research as from 1949 on Research Stations in Namibia and South Africa
(Experiments and Investigations)
Milk-stomach {abomasuni)
Karakul Farming and the importance of Flock Management
Shearing
Dipping
Karakul Stud Breeding in - SWA Late 1950s
Upgrading
50 Years of Karakul Farming in SWA
New Offices of the KBS - 1957
Distribution of Livestock in SWA - 1964
Average rainfall map
Karakul Guidance Courses
New Monetary System in the RSA
Foot-and-Mouth Disease
Windhoek Agricultural Show Karakul Pavilion
The KBS during the 1960s
Change in the breeding trend
Karakul Sheep and Pelt Production in SWA - 1963
Livestock Census - 1963
The Term 'Galjak' - Resolution by the KBS
Visits to Farmers by a Breeding Inspector
Pelt Quality
Karakul Farming during the 1960s
Colour Breeding
Analysis of the Breeding Structure of the Karakul in SWA
KBS Board Activities 1969 - 1970
Amalgamation of the SAKBS with the SWAKBS
Autonomy
swakara Trade Mark 1966
International Marketing by the Karakul Industry Advisory Board
Establishment of a New Karakul Board
First International Karakul Symposium - Vienna
World Distribution of Karakul
The Karakul Industry in Afghanistan
KBS 50th Anniversary Celebration - 1969 swakara Fashion Festival
Largest Private Karakul Stud in Southern Africa
Activities of the KBS and Karakul Pelt Production during the 1970s
Second International Karakul Symposium - Romania
Distribution of Karakul in the World - 1961
Karakul Producing Countries
Soviet Union
Afghanistan
SWA and SA
Romania, Argentina and Angola
Local and International Politics - 1970s
S-Hair Research Project and the S-Hair Committee of the KBS 1973-1974
The S-Hair-CommitteeResearch Projects - 1974
Bleaching
Dried lamb carcases
Bacterial damage
Abrasion (durability)
KBS Advice to Farmers
Establishment of a New Association
The Establishment of the Karakul Board of South West Africa
SWA Karakul Board
The International Karakul Secretariat
International Symposium on Hair Quality of swakara Pelts -1979
The Golden Era of swakara Production and Marketing
Overview of International Pelt Marketing -1930 to 1980
The International Fur Market during the 1970s
The International Fur Trade during the 1980s
Investigation of the Marketing Situation of swakara and the Battelle Report -1981
Action by the Karakul Board of SWA
Rationalization of the Karakul Marketing System - 1982
The Boards
Co-operatives
Price Protection Scheme
Auxiliary (Subsidy) Scheme for the Karakul Industry
Production
Promotion
Change in Consumer Behaviour
Quality Control
Contingency Account
Karakul Farming in 1982
Meat Production and Karakul Farming
World distribution of Karakul
Russia
Afghanistan
SWA and SA
Local Promotion of the Karakul Industry
Activities of the KBS during the 1980s
KBS Norms Committee
Rationalization of the KBS -1982
Computerisation of the KBS -1987
Change in the Fur Trade in the 1980s
Auction houses
Relocation of Auctions from London to Frankfurt
Agra Pelt Centre
Frankfurt Karakul Sales (FKS)
Local Economy
International Promotion of swakara
ColourInternational Politics 1989-1990
Financing of Organized Agriculture
Export of Karakul Breeding Stock
Parting of the Ways
The Road to Namibian Independence - 1965 to 1990
Independence
Karakul Board Initiative after Independence - 1990
Desperate Times for Karakul Farmers - 1990
Application for Financial Support under the Stabex System
Market Analysis - late 1980s
Anti-Fur Campaign
Analyses of swakara Auctions
Pedigree Registrations 1990-1991
Co-operation with Other Karakul Producers
Ram Progeny Testing
Hardap Karakul Centre - Karakul
Ram Progeny Testing
Kalahari Research Station
Rebuilding the Karakul Industry - 1990s
The Karakul Board of Namibia - Value Adding
International Marketing Company (Pty) Ltd (IMCO)
Karakul Pelts
Assistance from the EEC
IMCO's Participation in International Shows - 1995 to 1999
Frankfurt Fur & Fashion Fair
The Management of IMCO - findings and recommendations
IMCO activities
'Gesellschaft fur Pelzabsatzforderung GmbH'
End of the IKS (Established 1978)
Pick-ye-meat
Karakul wool
Shearing
Legislation: Marketing of Karakul Pelts and Wool - 1980
Wool sorting unit in SWA
Termination of Wool Agreement with the SA Wool Board
Gesellschaft fur Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ)
The Weaving Industry in Namibia
Human Resources
Shearing courses
Weaving Enterprises in Namibia
General production process (of all Namibian weavers)
Existing Karakul Weavers in Namibia - 2006
Sustainable Animal Production in the South of Namibia
The environment and potential of small stock production
Production and reproduction achievements
Requirements for future sustainable systems
Natural grazing
Rainfall
Soil
Temperature and evaporation
Sustainable stocking
Needs and management practice of the community
Risk management and strategic decisions
Stock types
Biomass stocking
Karakul farming with the biomass concept and material life
Pelt/Mutton Price Ratio (N$)
Pelts/Ram Price Ratio (N$)
Management Practices
Feeding
Pelt prices
Flock health
Selection goals
Diversification
Quality Control Pamphlet
swakara Pamphlet - 2001
Wiebke and Gerhard Mill
Namibia's Karakul Flock Numbers
Overseas visitors
Visit by Members of the EEC to Communal Areas - 1990
Special Projects of the Karakul Board of Namibia in the Southern Communal Areas - 19
Communal Pelt Producers' Ram Project
Kameelrivier Upgrading Project
Reintroduction of Karakul Sheep in the Kunene-South Area
DEUTSCHES PELZ INSTITUT (DPI)
International Fur Trade Federation
Consultancy Mission to Afghanistan
Mission to Uzbekistan - 2004
Best Linear Unbiased Predictions
Genetic Material
Fertility Analysis of Karakul Flocks
Selection
Computerized Fertility Index
KBS Annual Events
Norms Committee
Lamb Description Courses
KBS of SA dissolved
Agricultural Shows
Further Rationalisation of the Karakul Industry- 1998 to 2003
Political Uncertainty - Land Ownership
Labour Management
Stud Breeding in the Namibian Context - 1994
Namibian Stud Breeders'Association (NSBA)
Services Rendered by the KBS to the NSBA
Pelt Characteristics
Sorting of Pelts
Sorting GuideThe swakara Classification System
The swakara alphabet - a brief history of the swakara assortment
The inherited system
New classification system
Quality evaluation
Pre-auction inspection
swakara auctions
Buyers at auctions
Tender basis (white and brown pelts)
Pelts prices and the producer
Final financial statement to producers
Preparation of Pelts for Finished Garments
Fur Fashion Fairs
Damaged Pelts
The swakara Product Guide
Code of Practice (COP) for the Care and Handling of Karakul Sheep in Namibia
Karakul Farming -The First Seven Years of the 21st Century
Gellap-Ost
swakara Auction in Copenhagen
Chairman of the Karakul Industry Advisory Board - 1939 to 1966
Chairman of the Karakul Board of Southern Africa
Chairmen of the Karakul Board of Namibia
Golden Lamb Awards
Chairman of the KBS
Honorary Chairman of the KBS
Honorary Members of the KBS
Managers/Secretaries of the KBS
Tables
Karakul Flock Numbers in Namibia - 1907 to 2005
KBS Ram Auctions - 1962 to 2005
Karakul Registered with the KBS -
Membership of the KBS
Karakul Pelts Exported - 1924 to 2006
Value of Karakul Wool Produced and Exported
Karakul Board of Namibia Special Projects
Rams Project
Ewe Project
Mink Skin Sales
Donors
References
swakara Centenary Tour to Copenhagen
Karakul Breeders' Society and Karakul Board of Namibia contact details