The Zwartbles breed of sheep originated in Holland. In the middle of the 20th century, it was endangered, but now the situation has changed: these animals are popular in many European countries. This article will tell about the origin of the breed, its distinctive characteristics and productivity.
Sheep zwartbles
History of the breed
Zwartbles sheep were created in the small province of Friesland, located in the north of Holland, at the beginning of the 20th century. Breeders crossed local sheep with Ost-Friesian rams, which were distinguished by high productivity in the dairy direction. Thanks to the genes of the ancestors, it was possible to obtain offspring with an unusual appearance and good signs:
- strong physique;
- height;
- semi-thin thick wool;
- high milkiness.
Breeders also appreciated other qualities of the resulting cross – fertility and excellent taste of meat.
In the 50s, the zwartbles population declined and became endangered. However, the Dutch tried to keep it, so that already in the 20s the number increased. A few years later, the best rams and queens were taken to England and neighboring European countries – Scotland and Ireland. The farmers of these states were interested in breeding meat sheep and using them to improve the characteristics of other breeds. In 80 they formed the Zwartbles Breeders Association.
Description and characteristics
The appearance of zwartbles sheep is memorable. Animals have a large physique, high growth and a beautiful coat color – black or red-brown. On the head and on the limbs, where the hair is short and sparse, there are white marks. In the forehead area there is a wide vertical stripe of white color.
Attention! Markings may also be present on the tail of animals.
Features:
- ram growth – 85-100 cm, ewes – 75-80 cm;
- male weight – 100-110 kg, uterus – 80-85 kg;
- the head is compact;
- straight profile;
- auricles of medium size, set apart;
- limbs are straight, long;
- the chest is wide, powerful;
- the body is cylindrical;
- coat color – black, brown, white spots on the frontal part of the head, legs and tail;
- the wool is well crimped, dense, the length of the fibers is 9-10 cm, the thickness is 30 microns.
The appearance of zwartbles sheep is memorable
Animals are adapted to cold and humid climates. Thanks to their dense wool, they are not afraid of wind, cold and dampness. Zvartbles sheep are distinguished by strong immunity. As for the character, they are docile and friendly animals, however, they are demanding on the conditions of detention and the quality of food. Breeders note that it is not so easy to keep zwartbles sheep in the household.
Productivity
The breed belongs to the meat and wool direction. The meat of these animals is low-fat, sweetish, has a pleasant delicate aroma. Young lamb, taken from individuals aged 5-6 months, is especially valued.
Attention! The slaughter yield of meat in this breed is 46-50%.
Representatives of this breed have a semi-thin and thick coat. The fibers reach a length of 10 cm. The average annual shearing from an adult ram is 4 kg. From the queens, 2,8-3,5 kg of fleece are obtained, and from the lambs – 2-2,5 kg of valuable raw materials. The thickness of woolen fibers ranges from 27-32 microns; in young animals, the fleece is thinner and more delicate.
Milk productivity of ewes is high. For one lactation period, which lasts 3-4 months, 300-350 liters of fat milk are milked from each sheep. It contains 6-8% protein. Sheep milk is used to make cheeses and fermented milk drinks.
Breeding
Zwartbles sheep are fertile. For the year they increase the livestock by 150-230%. Although their lambing occurs once a year, there is rarely 1 lamb in the litter, more often 1-2, and sometimes 3-4 babies are born. The weight of newborns is 5-2,5 kg, depending on the number of offspring. Babies grow quickly: daily weight gain reaches 5-400 grams.
Attention! At the age of 4 months, young lambs weigh 45 kg, and ewes – 35-40 kg.
Despite the multiplicity, lambing in zwartbles sheep almost always occurs without complications, since the queens have a wide pelvis, and the lambs have a medium-sized oblong head. Problems during childbirth sometimes occur if the fetus assumes an incorrect position in the birth canal.
Zwartbles sheep are fertile
Advantages of the breed
The Zwartbles sheep breed deserves attention due to its advantages:
- high meat, wool and milk productivity;
- fertility;
- high quality fleece;
- stamina;
- adaptability to cold and humid climate;
- excellent taste of meat.
Today, zwartbles are bred primarily in the north of England. They are not found on the territory of Russia. They are used to improve fertility and meat productivity of other breeds.
