Bluefaced Leicester

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Bluefaced Leicesters are a Longwool breed of sheep which originate from Northumberland and were made known at the beginning of the 20th century.

They have curly threadlike wool which makes it considerably lighter than others. Some fleeces only weigh 1-3kgs.These particular kind of sheep have no wool on the head or neck of the animal, although the pattern and shape of the wool is most like the Wensleydale.

Bluefaced Leicesters are also recognisable in the shape of their nose. This 'Roman' nose is only found on a few other breeds of sheep. They have a dark blue skin which can be seen through the white hair, hence the name.

Fully grown Blueface rams can weigh up to 130kgs and ewes up to 90kgs. Usually, they are just as easily kept as other sheep even though they are larger but, understandably, do eat a bit more.