Gotland sheep
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The Gotland, also called the Gotland Pelt (
Primitive horned Gute sheep still exist on the island of Gotland today, though they are now rare. The main differences between the original Gute and the improved Gotlands are that the latter are entirely
Breed characteristics
Gotland sheep are fine-boned and of medium size. Gotlands are polled and have no wool on their black heads and legs. Sometimes there may be white markings on the top of the head or around the nose and mouth. They have alert medium-sized ears that stand outwards with a small neat muzzle, an even jaw and even teeth. Their slender neck and shoulders set smoothly into a level back with good depth and reasonable breadth of body. The slender legs are well spaced and upright. The tail is short with a hair-covered tip. The fleece is fine, long, lustrous and dense and can be all shades of grey from silver to charcoal grey and dark enough to be almost black. In the United States "American" Gotlands can also be found in white and moorit (a reddish-brown color). They have a clearly defined even curl (purl) and staple that is soft to the touch. Their disposition is docile and friendly, although older rams can become aggressive. The fleece is typically 29 to 34 micrometres in diameter. Lambswool can be in the low to mid 20s micrometre range. The fleece is prized in the United States by hand-spinners and in Europe they are most desired for their pelts.
References
- Oklahoma State University, Dept. of Animal Science. Archived from the originalon 2009-01-23. Retrieved 2009-04-17.
- University of Maryland. "Gotland". Sheep Breeds G-I. Sheep101.info. Retrieved 2009-04-17.
- ^ "Gotlandsfår/Sweden". Breed Data Sheet. Domestic Animal Diversity Information System. Retrieved 2009-08-31.
External links
- British Gotland Sheep Society
- American Gotland Sheep Society
- Gotland Sheep Breeders Association of North America
