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[wpdreams_ajaxsearchlite] Don't see the breed your're looking for? Click here and let us know!Whiteface Dartmoor sheep
Place of Origin | England |
Origin | The Whiteface Dartmoor is a breed of domestic sheep originating in the Dartmoor region of south west England. The Rare Breeds Survival Trust has designated this breed as "at risk". There have been Whitefaced Dartmoors on the Moor since they earliest records. They are also found on parts of Exmoor. The ewes are renowned for crossing to produce a halfbred ewe capable of producing a prime lamb when put to a terminal sire ram. The Whitefaced Dartmoor is very hardy and can thrive on the very poorest pasture. |
Purpose | Meat |
Characteristics | The Whiteface is a traditional hill sheep. It has been raised on the hills of Dartmoor, grazing heather during the summer and the valley hay meadows during winter and spring. The majority of flocks still live and thrive on the moor to this day. Consequently this breed is quite hardy and survives well on poor forage. Rams and ewes are horned but this trait seems to be disappearing in recent years.The wool is white, of good staple, and with a fairly strong crimp. Average fleece weight for a ewe is 6 kg (13 lbs) to 6.5 kg (14 lbs) and it is classified as a longwool, which is unusual for an upland breed. It is raised primarily for meat. |