English Leicester
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
English Leicester are an English breed of sheep.
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[edit] Other Names
Leicester Longwool, Bakewell Leicester, Dishley Leicester, Improved Leicester, Leicester and New Leicester
[edit] History
English Leicester sheep date back to the 1700's and were found in the Midland Counties of England. It was developed by a man called Robert Bakewell who was the foremost exponent of modern animal breeding techniques in the selection of livestock. The English Leicester back in the 1700's was slow growing and coarsely boned. These days the animals have been developed to gain weight quickly and are fast growing. English Leicester was one of the first pure sheep breeds introduced to Australia being introduced in 1826. The English Leicester has been used to improve many sheep breeds because of its meaty carcase and heavy fleece. It is one of the few breeds that are truly pure.
[edit] Appearance
- The head of an English Leicester should be carried well, no too high and should have no signs of horns on the poll (forehead). The face is generally in a wedge shape, covered in white hairs and can appear to have a blue tinge. The lips and nostrils should be black. Having black specks on the face and ears is not objectionable.
The neck of a Leicester should be of medium length. The shoulders should be strong and level with the back which should be flat.
- Their legs should be straight and wide apart and their hooves should be black.
- The English Leicester should be free, active and well balanced whilst in movement.
- The Fleece should be dense (having thick and blocky clumps of wool also know as the staple). It should be lustrous indicating the shine on the wool and should have a well defined crimp or wave from skin to tip.
The common fibre diameter for an English Leicester is 32 to 38 micrometres (microns). The English Leicester should appear to be alert and robust, showing style and character.
[edit] Other information
The English Leicester is currently found in Australia, New Zealand, Great Britain and the US. They are a sound footed sheep which means they are acceptable on flat, hilly or more especially marginal country. They are large framed sheep with a wide even topline (back) a strong constitution and a good temperament.
