The Karakul sheep is believed to be one of the oldest breeds of domesticated sheep in the world. Originally from the steppes of Turkistan, this broadtailed sheep (so called because of the reserves of fat stored in its tail) gradually spread to other regions of Central Asia. The breed is named after the village Karakul, which lies in the former emirate of Bokhara (now Uzbekistan).

Today Karakul sheep are farmed predominantly in Afghanistan, central Asian republics of the former Soviet Union and Namibia. They are possibly the only animals that can survive the harsh, arid conditions of these regions while providing both a source of food and income to local people.

Because of the climatic conditions, only a small proportion of new-born lambs (20-30% depending on the region and the severity of the weather) can be kept and raised to maturity without damaging the land with overgrazing. For example, in Namibia, 3-12 hectares of land are needed to graze each sheep. The young lambs that cannot be sustained naturally are slaughtered shortly after birth, producing meat, wool, leather and the Karakul lamb pelt.

The Karakul lamb pelt is distinctive for its softness, its water-silk markings and lustrous, wavy curls. Most pelts are black, due to a dominant black gene, but other natural colours are grey, white, silver-grey, pink and brown. With age, the lambís curls open and lose their pattern. The older Karakul sheep has a long, glossy fleece that can be used to make rugs and blankets.

Broadtail is the term used by the fur trade to describe the pelt of a still-born Karakul lamb, where the mother has aborted naturally as a result of the harsh weather conditions, natural illness or pregnancy difficulties. Broadtail pelts are extremely rare and only account for a very small percentage of overall Karakul production. The broadtail pelt is flatter, softer and silkier than the traditional curly young lamb pelt, and tends to achieve a slightly higher price at auction.

The term "broadtail" is also used to describe the pelt of a young lamb that has been bred specially to achieve the same look but the pelt is from a naturally born Karakul lamb rather than a still-born. Namibia specialises in breeding Karakul for the "broadtail look".

No. Mistreatment to induce abortions makes no sense. Lambs can be bred to produce the rare broadtail look and the ewes are too valuable as breeding animals to be mistreated. Allegations of inducing abortions are strongly denied by producer representatives.

Karakul pelt is also known as Persian lamb, or sometimes as Astrakhan. Persian dealers were the first to export the pelts from central Asian regions to the world markets, which explains the term.

Swakara is the brand name for the pelt produced by the Namibian Karakul lamb. The name is derived from South-West Africa, the former name of Namibia (South-West African Karakul). The Namibian Karakul has been selectively bred to produce the flat "broadtail look".

In the majority of cases, Karakul sheep are bred by farmers in areas where natural conditions mean there are no viable alternative forms of agriculture.

They breed out of season, which means that sheep can produce young three times in two years. Single lambs are the rule, but occasionally twins are produced.

Karakul sheep are bred for their milk, meat, fleece and pelt. The sheep farmers who breed these animals are trying to make a living in a harsh and inhospitable environment, using a sustainable natural resource. Prices achieved at international auction for Karakul pelts help producers to earn hard currency in regions that offer little, if any, alternative sources of income.

Both Karakul and broadtail are sold on the international market, through auction, which means that producers can receive the full, open market price for their pelts.

There is archaeological evidence to indicate the existence of Karakul lambskin in central Asia as early as 2650 BC. Karakul has been bred in Namibia since early 1900.

Karakul lambskins are typically used for full fur garments, such as coats and skirts, and as trimming, edging, lining and for accessories. In addition to the natural colours, skins can be dyed to produce fashion colours.