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Icelandic Sheep
Iceland Sheep are a beautiful, medium breed sheep coming in a multitude of colors and loved by many for a multitude of reasons. Ewes are typically around 130-160 pounds and rams weigh in between 180 and 220 pounds. Icelandic sheep have shorter legs which is emphasized when they are in full fleece and are built like a heritage meat sheep rather than current commercial meat sheep breeds. However, the breed has been used in commercial flocks to add hybrid vigor in addition to promote the lean, fast growing characteristics which Icelandics are known for. The breed is also known and appreciated by many shepherds for the ability to finish lambs on pasture alone. With the price of grain ever increasing this is just another benefit of the breed. Lambs are very hardy and many Icelandic breeders pasture lamb, or could if they wanted to, many of us can hardly wait to get our hands on those cute little lambs so we lamb in jugs instead. This trait is beneficial to any owner, whether it be the large commercial flock or the hobby flock. This is not to say that with easy lambing ewes that you would need to give up prolificacy. Icelandics commonly have twins and triplets. Ewes are seasonally polyestrous, meaning they have multiple heats in the fall. This results in spring born lambs after roughly a 142 gestation period, on the shorter side for sheep breeds. Lambs are born around 6-8 pounds on average and have a "drive to thrive". Many of these little lambs are on their feet quickly and are up nursing before you know it. However, what captures many people in the beginning is the beauty in the variety of the sheep. Not surprising the Icelandic fleece is also unique, made up of thel, the downy, shorter undercoat and tog, the longer guard fleece. If you're looking for a pasture full of "ornaments" you've found your sheep breed. With many beautiful colors and patterns along with polled and horned varieties, you're sure to find a sheep to fit into your flock. Buyers beware, you can't just add one Icelandic to your flock, with all the beautiful patterns, you'll be back for more. I speak from experience because it happened to me!
A complete summary and history of the Icelandic Sheep breed can be found at the ISBONA website. If you are interested in learning more about Icelandic sheep it is a good place for information since Icleandic sheep have a very rich history. Icelandic sheep are one of the oldest breeds though they only found their way to the United States in 1991 thanks to some very devoted individuals, particularly Stefania Dignum who we primarily have to thank for working so hard to bring this wonderful breed to North America. Her story can also be found on the ISBONA website.
For more on breeding Icelandic sheep, please see: Icelandic Breed Standard. |
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