Morada Nova sheep, primarily found in northeast Brazil, likely have African origins and may also have genetic ties to the Portuguese Bordaleiro breed. These sheep are believed to have descended from selected individuals of the Brazilian Woolless breed, contributing to their unique characteristics.
One notable trait of Morada Nova sheep is their polled nature, with both males and females lacking horns. Rams of this breed typically do not possess a throat ruff, distinguishing them from some other sheep breeds.
In terms of reproductive performance, Morada Nova sheep exhibit a noteworthy litter size, with reports indicating an average of 1.32 to 1.76 lambs per birth. This high fertility contributes to the breed's productivity in meat and wool production.
Morada Nova sheep are characterized by their predominant coloration, which ranges from red to cream, although white individuals are also present within the population. Despite their small stature, with mature rams weighing approximately 40 kg (88 lbs) and ewes around 30 kg (66 lbs), Morada Nova sheep are valued for their resilience and adaptability to the environmental conditions of northeast Brazil.