Llanwenog sheep
![]() Llanwenog andShropshire sheep | |
Country of origin | Wales |
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Wool colour | White |
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TheLlanwenogis abreedofdomestic sheeporiginating inWales.It was developed in the 19th century from the (now extinct) Llanllwni, theShropshire,Welsh Mountain,andClun Forestbreeds. The Llanwenog's native locale is theTeifiValley, in western Wales, but it has since spread into other areas. The breed association was formed in 1957. Llanwenogs have black faces and medium-length wool. They have a docile temperament and are known for their profligacy inlambing.The breed has a very placid temperament, is easily handled, easily contained and is well suited to stress free inwintering if necessary. This has important consequences for the health of both the animal and its keeper.[1]This breed is raised primarily formeat.[2]
Characteristics
[edit]The Llanwenog is a medium-sized breed. Rams can reach 90 kg (198 lb) or more and ewes average 55 kg (121 lb). The face and legs are black with a tuft of wool on the forehead. The wool is of high quality with aBradford countof 56/58 and a staple length of 7.5 cm (3 in). The breed is prolific, most ewes having twins, and the lambs are fast growing, twin lambs reaching a carcase weight of 19.9 kg (43.9 lb) in 56 days.[1]
The sheep are long-lived, docile and easy to handle with easy lambing and good mothering abilities. They are economic to feed and can be housed in winter. Ewes can be crossed with other breeds if larger carcases are required.[3]
Status
[edit]The number of purebred Llanwenogs has been decreasing over the last few years and there were estimated to be fewer than three thousand registered breeding ewes in 2015.[3]The breed appears regularly at agricultural shows in Wales and England.[4]
Notes
[edit]- "Sheep".Watch List.Rare Breeds Survival Trust.Archived fromthe originalon 2009-02-21.Retrieved2009-04-21.
References
[edit]- ^ab"Llanwenog".Breeds of Livestock.Oklahoma State UniversityDept. of Animal Science.Retrieved2015-08-12.
- ^ "Llanwenog/United Kingdom".Breed Data Sheet.Domestic Animal Diversity Information System.Retrieved2009-09-01.
- ^ab"Llanwenog sheep".Llanwenog Sheep Breeders' Support Group.Retrieved2015-08-12.
- ^"Llanwenogs on show".Llanwenog Sheep Breeders' Support Group.Retrieved2015-08-12.
External links
[edit]- Llanwenog Sheep Society- United Kingdom