Barbados Blackbelly Sheep

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A purebred Barbados Blackbelly hair sheep

A young American Blackbelly ram

The Barbados Blackbelly Sheep is a unique breed that was developed in the Caribbean. Although it is likely the Barbados Blackbelly has African ancestry, there seems to be clear evidence that the breed, as seen today, was developed by the people on the Island from sheep brought to port by ships fairly early in the period after Europeans first colonized the Island.

In 1904, the USDA imported a small flock and transported them for study to Bethesda, Maryland. From that original flock, at least two distinct breeds have emerged in the U.S., and there is a great deal of confusion in the breed names. There are fewer than 200 purebred Barbados Blackbelly sheep in the U.S., in contrast to a large and growing population of a popular crossbreed, commonly referred to as "Barbado." Whereas purebred Barbados Blackbelly rams and ewes are polled (without horns), the Barbado is most noted for the regal rack of horns on the rams, and some ewes may also have small horns. The horns were gained by crossbreeding Barbados Blackbelly with Mouflon and Rambouillet early after they were imported by the USDA.

Recognizing that the term "Barbado" didn't adequately define the characteristics that breeders sought, the Barbados Blackbelly Sheep Association International (BBSAI) adopted a breed standard in 2004 and defined animals meeting this standard as "American Blackbelly." These striking, attractive sheep have become common in children's zoos and petting farms in the U.S. In addition to their exotic appearance, they are very easy to keep and breed.

Blackbelly sheep of both breeds are able to tolerate heat and have more stamina than most breeds of sheep. They are fleet of foot and in many ways resemble deer. They are "hair sheep," which means they do not grow wool but have coarse hair instead. If raised in cooler climates, they often develop a wool undercoat that they shed in the spring.

Blackbelly sheep will breed all year round unlike most domestic sheep. Because they are smaller and slower growing than most wooled sheep, they are not a good choice for commercial production. However, there is a strong market for their lean and mild-flavored meat, and they are popular with herding dog trainers. They are very disease resistant and parasite tolerant, and these genetic traits have created a demand for Blackbelly sheep in crossbreeding operations. They are a perfect choice as a homesteader's sheep because they do relatively well on poorer forage, can be raised with very little grain, and do not require intensive management. Blackbelly sheep range in color from light tan to a dark mahogany red, with black stripes on the face and black legs, belly, inguinal region, chin, and chest. Despite being goat-like in appearance, they are true sheep. Goats and sheep cannot cross-breed.

There are two breed registries in North America for Blackbelly sheep.

~The Barbados Blackbelly Sheep Association International (BBSAI) is an open registry that welcomes both Barbados Blackbelly and American Blackbelly. There are over 1,000 sheep registered with the BBSAI.

~The North American Barbados Blackbelly Sheep Registry registers the horned as well as polled Blackbelly sheep.

[edit] External links

http://blackbellysheep.org The Barbados Blackbelly Sheep Association International (BBSAI)
http://barbados.sheepregistry.com The North American Barbados Blackbelly Sheep Registry
http://www.critterhaven.biz The most extensive collection of information on Barbados Blackbelly sheep
http://www.blackbellysheep.info An email group for Barbados Blackbelly, American Blackbelly, and Barbado sheep breeders
http://www.fao.org/DOCREP/004/X6517E/X6517E02.htm#ch2.1 Comprehensive FAO Book Chapter on Barbados Blackbelly
http://www.ansi.okstate.edu/breeds/sheep/barbadosblackbelly/index.htm Barbados Blackbelly (Oklahoma State University)