Sheep are one of the first animals domesticated by humans, but not much is known about the details of sheep husbandry in ancient civilizations.
Now, we have a bit more information on this topic. A team of researchers recently retrieved a well preserved sheep leg from the Chehrabad salt mine in Iran. It's over 1,600 years old but thanks to the salt, there was even still skin and fur present on it and scientists were able to take some of its DNA for their study.
Usually, DNA breaks down quickly as enzymes in the cells degrade the strands in a chemical reaction which involves water. The high concentration of salt sequesters the water molecules, thus preventing them from breaking down the DNA strands.
So, what did the scientists find out? Genetic analysis showed that the breed of sheep was that of a fat-tailed variety, which lacked the gene for a woolly coat. This breed of sheep was most likely raised for meat or milk, instead of fleece. Research fellow Kevin Daly said, "This study shows us that the people of Sasanian-era Iran may have managed flocks of sheep specialized for meat consumption, suggesting well developed husbandry practices."
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Image: Deutsches Bergbau-Museum Bochum and Zanjan Cultural Heritage Centre, Archaeological Museum of Zanjan