Type the name of the breed you're looking for below
[wpdreams_ajaxsearchlite] Don't see the breed your're looking for? Click here and let us know!Bündner Oberländerschaf sheep
Place of Origin | Switzerland |
Origin | Also Known by: Bündner Oberländ (German), Graubünden, Grisions. The Tavet or Nalps Sheep achieved general recognition around the turn of this century, when scientists recognized a direct descendent of the Turf Goat in this ancient breed which was already widespread in the Stone Age. The Tavet Sheep had at this time regressive conditions already, and the last pure Tavet Sheep died because of inbreeding symptoms in 1954, despite efforts to maintain it. Current Situation: In the Bündner Oberland, in Somvitg, in Tavetsch and above all in Vrin and in Medels some original animals have remained, for their breeders with cross-breeding with outside breeds. From the Medels sheep, also horned and similar to the Tavet sheep, the foundation Pro Specie Rara has built up herd book breeding from the year 1984, with breeders groups in all of eastern Switzerland. It is now designated as the Bündner Oberland Sheep. |
Purpose | Vegetation managment |
Characteristics | The animals are by origin small, easily satisfied and robust, of white, brown or silver-gray colour. Noticeable are fine features and small, long, unfleeced heads. When mature, rams weigh on average 72 kg (159 lb) and ewes 50 kg (110 lb). After reaching maturity, rams grow to 72 cm (28 in) and ewes 68 cm (27 in) at the withers. Depending on the valley, horned or unhorned animals were preferred. Of these the horns of the rams form powerful rolls and of the ewes fine crescents. These animals have also in their behavior and characteristics remained very primeval. They provide an excellent meat for their self-sufficiency. A high fertility compensate for the low weight and the minimal ability to put on weight. The Bündner Oberland Sheep lamb mostly twice a year, and multiple births are frequent. |
Other Considerations | Current Stock: At the present time there are over 250 ewes and approx. 50 rams, so that the breed again classifies as secure. The breeding groups are located predominantly in eastern Switzerland. |