The present situation of the Churra sheep breed is described and the selection scheme being applied is discussed. The breeding programme for the Churra breed was designed in 1984 and started in 1986. It is coordinated by the National Association of Breeders of Selected Churra Sheep (ANCHE) with technical support from the Department of Animal Production I of the University of Leon. Out of a census of 1.7 million of animals, 29,253 ewes from 99 herds their productions recorded in 1995. However in 1995 the selection nucleus was made up by 45 herds.
The selection scheme connects the herds through artificial insemination, 16,904 AI were performed in 1995. The programme carried out progeny tests to 50 rams per year. The genetic evaluation is performed by means of an animal model accounting for repeated measurements and using the BLUP methoclology.