Breed of Sheep
Breed of Sheep
Breed of Sheep
Adal sheep are smaller sized and unicolored from white to dark brown. Occasionally they are also
pied or dark brown. They generally have short ears, and often earless. Both rams and ewes are
generally polled (without horns).
Their average birth weight is around 2.54 kg, and around 2.26 kg for the ewes. The average live
body weight of the mature ewes is around 24 kg. And average live body weight of the mature rams is
around 35 kg.
They are hardy and strong sheep. They are especially well adapted to arid and dry climates. They
are classified as a fat-tailed hair breed and has short, stiff fibers
Africana sheep, also recognized by various names such as Pelona, Camura, Red African, Rojo
Africana, Colombian Wooless, or West African sheep, are a breed primarily found in Colombia and
Venezuela. These sheep bear a striking resemblance in terms of size and confirmation to Pelibuey
sheep.
Typically, Africana sheep exhibit a range of brown hues, varying from tan to brown, cherry-red, and
even dark red. Their distinctive coloring adds to their visual appeal and contributes to their unique
appearance within the breed.
Africana sheep are primarily raised for meat production and are classified as a hair breed, indicating
their adaptation to warmer climates and their ability to thrive in environments where wool is not a
significant feature. With their suitability for meat production and their ability to adapt to various
environmental conditions, Africana sheep play a vital role in the agricultural landscape of Colombia
and Venezuela.
During the late 1960s, a request was made to the Department of Agriculture by the wool industry, via
the South African Agricultural Union, to develop a white-wooled breed for extensive sheep grazing
areas. In 1976, it was evident that the crossing of 25 percent Merino, 25 percent Ronderib Afrikaner,
and 50 percent South African Mutton Merino best fulfilled the requirements set for the new breed.
It was decided to retain only this cross for further upgrading and development of the breed known
today as the Afrino. Eighty percent of the income from Afrino sheep is generated through meat
production and 20 percent through wool production. The Afrino produces Merino-type wool, with a
fiber diameter ranging from 19 to 22 microns
Alai sheep, originating from Kyrgyzstan, are a versatile dual-purpose breed prized for their meat and
wool. These hardy animals are well-suited to thrive in the challenging conditions of the Alay Valley
region, which lies at elevations exceeding 3 km (1.9 mi) above sea level.
These sheep typically display a white coat with occasional spots adorning their legs and heads.
Their semi-coarse wool is highly valued, often finding use in the production of carpets. While rams
may exhibit either horned or polled characteristics, all ewes are naturally polled.
Alai sheep are classified as a fat-rump breed, boasting adaptations that enable them to flourish in
the rugged terrain and harsh climate of their native environment. Their resilience and suitability to
high-altitude living make them an integral part of traditional husbandry practices in the region
Algarve Churro sheep, native to Portugal, are primarily raised for their meat-producing capabilities.
These sheep typically display a white coat adorned with distinctive black spots on their feet and
heads. Interestingly, around 10% of Algarve Churro sheep feature a striking all-black coloration.
Mature rams of this breed typically reach an average height of 95 cm (37 inches) at the withers and
weigh approximately 75 kg (170 pounds). In contrast, ewes tend to be slightly smaller, reaching an
average height of 85 cm (33 inches) at the withers and weighing around 55 kg (120 pounds) at
maturity
Algerian Arab sheep, also recognized as Ouled Jellal or Western Thin-tailed sheep, are a prevalent
breed spread across Algeria, particularly thriving in arid climates. Thought to have evolved from the
Tadmit sheep native to Algeria, they are well-suited to endure harsh environmental conditions.
Primarily bred for meat, Algerian Arab sheep also provide carpet-grade wool, though meat
production is their primary purpose. They boast a white coat and possess elongated legs,
contributing to their adaptation to arid regions.
In terms of physical characteristics, males of this breed are typically horned, while females are
polled, meaning they lack horns. These features contribute to their distinctive appearance and
functionality within their native environment.
Alpagota, also known as Pagota, sheep hail from various regions of Italy, including Lamon,
Vicentina, and Istriana in the provinces of Belluno and Venezia. These sheep are ideally adapted to
thrive in the rugged terrain of the local hills and mountains.
Alpines Steinschaf are mountain sheep from the Eastern Alps of Austria and southern Germany.
They are used for wool and meat… and for keeping the grass down.
Alpines Steinschaf sheep are fine-boned and small to medium sized. Rams weigh 55 to 80 kg (121
to 176 lb), and ewes 40 to 60 kg (88 to 132 lb).
They are found in all coat colors and sometimes their face and ears are marked with black. Their
face and lower legs are without wool and their legs are thin but strong, and their hooves are hard.
Rams are often horned, but ewes usually are polled. Their ears are carried horizontally or slightly
drooping.
They are one of four breeds in the Steinschaf group (the other three are Krainer Steinschaf,
Montafoner Steinschaf, and Tiroler Steinschaf sheep). It is believed that they are derived from the
mediaeval Zaupelschaf type, or from the older Torschaf type. They are also believed to be the oldest
sheep breeds of the eastern Alps
Altamurana sheep, native to the sun-drenched landscapes of the Bari and Foggia Provinces in the
Apulia Region of southern Italy, represent a resilient and versatile breed of medium-sized milk
sheep.
Distinguished by their pristine white coats occasionally adorned with dark spots on their faces,
Altamurana sheep exhibit a remarkable ability to thrive in arid soils, reflecting their adaptation to the
challenging environmental conditions of their native region
Altay sheep, native to the dry, cold mountain basins of China, are recognized for their unique
characteristics and suitability for diverse purposes.
Primarily known for their fat-rumped structure, Altay sheep are commonly raised for their wool, which
is often utilized for carpet production. Each shearing yields an average of 2.5 to 3.5 pounds (1.3 - 1.5
kg) of wool, prized for its quality and durability. Additionally, Altay sheep are valued for their meat,
which is a significant component of their utilization
American Blackbelly sheep are a composite breed resulting from the crossing of Barbados
Blackbelly with Mouflon and Rambouillet breeds. As the name implies, the underbelly of the
American Blackbelly is black, as is the inside of the legs, the back part of the thighs, and the hair
inside the ears. Two black facial barbs extend down the muzzle medial to the eye, giving the breed
an exotic appearance.
Ancon sheep have long bodies with short legs. Their fore-legs are crooked. This type of sheep was
bred from a single Massachusetts, USA, lamb. The Ancon sheep are quite desirable because they
cannot jump over fences. The Ancon name has been applied to other strains of sheep. Scientists
used the Ancon for genetic research and after it was no longer needed for study it was allowed to
become extinct. Excavations of the Ancon have been done in the United Kingdom. They have found
that the Ancon has a history that dates back to AD 1500. The Ancon sheep have quite a few unique
features that were caused by dwarf mutation. They were well-known in the state of Massachusetts in
the 1700s. Sheep owners preferred this species as it made things go smooth on the farm because
they could not escape easily
Apennine sheep (also known as Appenninica, Bariscianese, Chietina Varzese, or Perugina del
piano) are white sheep that were found in the 1970s in central Italy, mainly in Toscana, Emilia,
Umbria, arche, Abruzzi regions of Italy. They were developed by crossbreeding the local breed with
other Italian or exotic breeds such as: Bergamasca and Ile-de-France. There are an estimated
250,000 heads, spread out over central and southern Italy.
The Aragonesa sheep, a breed renowned for its dual-purpose utility, strikes a harmonious balance
between meat production and medium wool quality. Nestled within the rustic landscapes of Spain,
they emerge as a prominent figure in the nation's agricultural tapestry, holding the distinguished title
of the second most significant breed following the esteemed Merino lineage.
Australian Whites are Australian meat sheep which was developed for Australian conditions.
Australian White sheep are a stabilized composite haired meat breed comprising White Dorper, Van
Rooy, Poll Dorset and Texel genetics. The development aim was to produce a unique Australian
white, shedding sheep breed to quickly produce large framed, heavy lamb carcases. Additionally,
walking or mobility ability, good fertility and mothering instincts in the ewes and hardy lambs with
good growth weights were required traits to be incorporated into the breed.
Avranchin Sheep
Avranchin are a
grassland breed of
sheep. They are hardy
and well-adapted to a
ocean climate, usually
living outdoors in small
flocks. They are one of
the most prolific
French breeds. They
have a large or
medium-sized frame.
They produce lambs of
good butchering
quality, with very fine textured meat.
The selection of the Avranchin sheep breed tends towards the maintenance of high prolificacy (the
optimum sought is the ewe which regularly produces twins at each lambing), and the improvement of
the milk value of the dams. Rams for breeding are chosen according to their conformation and the
prolificacy and milk value indexes of their dam.
The Babydoll Southdown sheep, reminiscent of the early Southdown type, holds a significant place
in agricultural history, tracing its lineage back to the 1800s and early 1900s when it was imported into
the United States and observed in England. Standing at a modest height of 18" to 24" at the
shoulder, these sheep embody the original characteristics and traits of the Southdown breed.
Originating from the picturesque South "Downs" of Sussex County, England, the Southdown breed is
renowned as one of the oldest among the Down breeds. Throughout history, English farms prized
these sheep for their delectable meat and luxurious fleece, highlighting their dual-purpose qualities
and value to agricultural communities
Baluchi are small sheep that originated in southern Afghanistan, eastern Iran, and southwest
Pakistan. They are a fat-tailed sheep breed and are raised mainly for wool production. They are also
known Araghi, Baluchi Dumda, Farahani, Khorasani, Khurasani, Mengali, Neini, Naeini, Shinwari,
Taraki and Yazdi sheep. They are raised mainly for wool production. Their wool is coarse with
modulation. The average annual fleece weight is between 1.3 and 1.8 kg. The ewes are pretty good
milkers, and they produce enough milk for their lambs. On average an ewe generally produce
around 40 to 50 kg of milk in a lactation period of about 125 days.
They are black and white with black marks on the legs and head. Their face is generally black. They
are generally polled in both genders. The average live body weight of the mature Baluchi ewes is
around 35 kg. And the mature rams on average weight up to 40 kg.
Barbados Blackbelly sheep are indigenous to the Caribbean island of Barbados. They descend from
sheep brought to the islands from West Africa during the slave era. Blackbellies are antelope like in
appearance, brown tan or yellow in color, with black points and under-parts. Both ewes and rams are
polled or have only small scurs or diminutive horns.
They may have some visible fuzzy wool undercoat within their hair coat, but it should shed along
with the hair each year. Barbados Blackbelies are noted for their extreme hardiness and
reproductive efficiency. They are one of the most prolific sheep breeds in the world.
The Barbaresca Siciliana, a distinct breed hailing from the sun-kissed landscapes of Sicily in
southern Italy, emerged through a deliberate breeding program that combined the genetics of the
Tunisian Barbary and the indigenous Pinzirita sheep.
Characterized by their coarse to medium wool, Barbaresca Siciliana sheep are prized for their dual-
purpose capabilities, serving as reliable sources of both milk and meat in the agricultural practices of
southern Italy. This versatility underscores their significance in sustaining local farming communities
and meeting diverse agricultural needs.
Bavarian Forest sheep are an old and once wide-spread breed from Bavaria. Unfortunately they are
decreasing in popularity. They are a small to medium sized sheep. They are mostly white, though
brown and black animals do occur.
Their fleece contains a mixture of fibers: kemp, hetero type, and wool fibers. Forest sheep are
aseasonal: they usually lamb 3 times in 2 years. Their fertility amounts to about 180 percent. They
are a hardy, weather and disease-resistant breed. They have good mothering ability.
Belgium Milk Sheep are strongly influenced by Friesian Milk Sheep. In all probability, the Belgium
Milk Sheep descends from Flemish sheep. Since the 19th century, Flemish sheep were selected for
milk character. After the Second World War, the other milk sheep breeds were added.
The Belgium Milk Sheep is a finely-built sheep which stands on high legs. The body is wedge-
shaped. The head is covered with fine white hair. The abdomen is wooly, but slightly hairy. A typical
characteristic of Belgium Milk Sheep is the so-called "rat-tail." The fertility of the breed is high. The
udder is well-developed and the animals give much milk with a creamy taste
Bentheimer Landschaf (A.K.A The Landrace of Bentheim) are medium-sized German sheep. They
were developed by a cross between German and Dutch heath sheep and marsh sheep. They have
been bred in the northern German Emsland area since 1934, especially in the county of Bentheim.
They are mainly white and have black around their ears, eyes, and legs. They have a slender body,
long head and Roman nose. Their ears are small and the tail is long and woolly. Both rams and
ewes are generally polled. The average body height of the mature ewes is around 67 cm at the
withers, and the rams are slightly larger than the ewes. The average live body weight of the mature
Bentheimer Landschaf rams is around 75 to 80 kg. And average live body weight of the mature ewes
is between 50 and 60 kg
California Red are medium-wool meat and wool sheep developed in 1970. They are a cross
between Barbados and Tunis sheep.
Mature rams weigh 225 to 250 pounds and ewes range from 130 to 150 pounds. Both sexes are
naturally hornless. Lambs are born a solid rust or cinnamon red color, a color that is retained as they
mature.
At maturity, their fleeces turn a beige or oatmeal color. Their legs and faces are free of wool with long
pendulous ears. Their wool is silky in texture and has found a specialty market with hand-spinners
and weavers. They breed all year-round.
California Variegated Mutant Sheep, or simply C.V.M. Sheep, are the result of many crossbreeding
started in 1915.
In 1915 A.T. Spencer developed the Romeldale breed. He purchased several New Zealand Romney
Rams in 1915 that were brought to the Pan-American exposition in San Francisco. He felt the
Romney breed would increase the staple, length, and carcass quality of his Rambouillets. Through
many years of selection, the Romeldale breed was developed, with fleece properties of 60-64s,
extremely high yield, and uniformity, including carcass cutability superior to other white-face breeds
Ok inuut7
The Cambridge sheep, renowned for its exceptional prolificacy, stands as a beacon of crossbreeding
excellence in the realm of ovine husbandry. With its distinctive dark-faced visage adorning a
medium-sized frame, the Cambridge epitomizes versatility and productivity in the pastoral
landscape.
Mature rams and ewes of the Cambridge breed boast formidable weights of 100 kg and 67 kg,
respectively, embodying robustness and sturdiness characteristic of the breed. Exhibiting remarkable
longevity and boasting excellent dental health, Cambridge sheep thrive amidst the rigors of
environmental extremes, showcasing their resilience and adaptability
Cameroon sheep, originating from West Africa, are renowned for their unique hair coat, which
eliminates the need for shearing. Unlike traditional wool sheep, Cameroon sheep possess a hair
coat that undergoes seasonal changes, particularly in autumn when it develops an additional
undercoat. This undercoat is naturally shed after the winter months, showcasing the breed's self-
sufficient grooming mechanism.
Renowned for their high reproductive rates, Cameroon sheep exhibit exceptional prolificacy and
typically reach puberty at an early age. Their reproductive cycle is aseasonal, allowing them to
produce two lamb crops annually. This adaptability makes them highly desirable for breeding
programs seeking consistent and frequent lambing cycles
Cheviot Sheep, characterized by their distinctive white faces, are a breed of Hill sheep originating
from the Scottish Borders. Known for their hardiness and adaptability to rugged terrains, Cheviots
have several distinctive physical features.
In particular, the ewes of this breed exhibit fine, hard white hair on their faces over the crown, giving
them their characteristic appearance. Additionally, their legs are adorned with a similar fine, flat
quality bone, contributing to their overall robustness. The fleece of Cheviot Sheep is dense and firm,
with a desirable trait of lacking kemp or colored hair, ensuring its quality for various applications.
Danish Landrace (also known as dansk landfar or klitfar ) sheep are native to Jutland in Denmark.
They were developed from the Merino and Heath sheep, with early specimen interbreeding in the
nineteenth century with Leicester and Oxford Down sheep.
They are medium sized and are generally white with a gray head. They are mostly polled, with only
around 10 percent horned rams. They are double-coated and long tailed. Generally their tail is
spotted brown, but they are predominantly white.
The average height of the mature Danish Landrace rams are around 75 cm at the wither, and around
70 cm for the ewes. The average live body weight of the mature ewes is between 50 and 65 kg. And
the average live body weight of the mature rams vary from 70 to 80 kg
Derbyshire Sheep are characterized by their distinctive black and white marked faces and legs,
which are free of wool. They are naturally polled, meaning both males and females lack horns.
The Derbyshire Gritstone variety of this breed is particularly notable for its striking appearance and
aristocratic lineage. These sheep have large, flat bones, indicating strength and sturdiness, and they
are known for their alert and attentive demeanor. Overall, Derbyshire Sheep, especially the Gritstone
variety, possess a regal and impressive presence
Fabrianese sheep are renowned for their robust stature and suitability for meat production, making
them a valued breed within the agricultural landscape of the Ancona Province in the Marche Region
of Italy. These medium-large sheep are characterized by their distinctive appearance and desirable
traits for meat farming.
One of the notable features of Fabrianese sheep is their polled nature, meaning they lack horns,
which enhances their safety and ease of handling during husbandry practices. Additionally, they are
recognized for their Roman nose, a characteristic facial trait that adds to their visual appeal and
distinguishes them from other sheep breeds.
They are small sheep. Their coat is either all white or black. The ewes have smaller horns and those
are generally diminutive if they exist at all. While the rams have relatively large horns, in the form of
double-spirals. There are two separate ecotypes, Montana, of the high areas as well as Marinano of
the low areas.
Their total population has dwindled significantly, but their numbers have improved notably in the last
few years. Their total number was 4548 in 2012, across 110 farms. Among those animals, 3862 were
ewes and 686 were rams. Today they only exist in smaller, isolated communities throughout the
Galicia region. But they were once found across Galicia. Currently the biggest concentration is
located in Ourense, Spain (south of Lugo and the west of Pontevedra).