Productivity and markets are described. The Awassi is the dominant breed of sheep on the middle Eastern countries, where it is highly valued for its meat and dairy qualities. The legs are also coloured.
Rams are generally horned, the head has a Roman nose and the ears are long and pendulous.
The tail has large fat sac on each side along most of its length, while its tip is S-shaped. Meat The Middle East Muslim's preference for fat-tail sheep is well documented. Six trial consignments of three-quarter Awassi lambs have confirmed that the meat quality is excellent and that the market prospects for the Australian product are also excellent. The Australian Meat and Livestock Corporation has advised that the Awassi will help improve the image of Australian sheep meat in the region. The fat distribution also differs, the Awassi cross lamb carrying more of its fat on the rump and tail area.