Castlemilk Moorit (sheep)

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A Castlemilk Moorit ram after shearing
A Castlemilk Moorit ram after shearing

The Castlemilk Moorit is a unique, extremely rare breed of domestic sheep originating in Dumfriesshire.[1] Created as a decorative breed in the 1900s to adorn the park land of a lord's estate, it is a cross of Manx Loaghtan, Shetland and wild Mouflon.[2] The breed's name refers to the Castlemilk Estate on which they were bred, and the Lowland Scots word "moorit" refers to the light tan or reddish brown color of their fleece.[1] The Castlemilk Moorit is one of the Northern European primitive breeds, with short, hairless tails, horns in both genders and a fleece that is usually shed rather than needing shearing.[1] All Castlemilk Moorits are descended from a single flock of ten ewes and two rams, and the British Rare Breeds Survival Trust lists the breed as "vulnerable": having a maximum of 900 registered animals.[3]

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c Castlemilk Moorit. Breeds of Livestock. Oklahoma State University Dept. of Animal Science. Retrieved on 2008-01-27.
  2. ^ castlemilkmoorit.co.uk. Castlemilk Moorit Sheep Society. Retrieved on 2008-01-27.
  3. ^ Castlemilk Moorit. Rare Breeds Watchlist. Rare Breeds Survival Trust UK. Retrieved on 2008-01-27.

[edit] External links



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