Danish Landrace (sheep)

Danish Landrace (sheep)
A Danish Landrace lamb

The Danish Landrace (Dansk Landfår, Klitfår) is a breed of sheep endemic to Jutland in Denmark. The breed, which had a population of approximately 370 in 2000, is descended from Heath sheep and Merino, with early specimen interbreeding in the 19th century with Leicester and Oxford Down.[1][2][3] While up to 10% of males have horns, the breed is polled.[2]

With males averaging 70–80 kg (150–180 lb) and females 50–65 kg (110–140 lb), they are a medium-sized, double-coated long-tailed sheep that produce 3.5 kg (7.7 lb) of fleece which is used in manufacturing wool blankets and carpets.[2][3] The face and tail of the sheep are spotted brown, but they are predominately white.

References

  1. ^ "Origin and diversity of North European sheep breeds". North SheD group, Agricultural Research Institute of Iceland. http://www.rala.is/beta/History.htm. Retrieved 2010-01-12. 
  2. ^ a b c "Danish Landrace Sheep". North SheD group, Agricultural Research Institute of Iceland. http://www.rala.is/beta/13%20Danish%20landrace%20sheep.htm. Retrieved 2010-01-12. 
  3. ^ a b "Danish Landrace". Oklahoma State University. http://www.ansi.okstate.edu/breeds/sheep/danishlandrace/index.htm. Retrieved 2010-01-12. 


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