Romanov (sheep)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

1 Background
2 Appearance and Condition
3 Reproduction
4 Romanov Wool
5 References
6 Sources
7 External links

[edit] Background

The Romanov is a breed of domestic sheep originating from the Volga Valley, which is northeast of Moscow, Russia. These domestic sheep got the name Romanov from the old royal family of Russia. In the 18th century, these sheep first got noticed. Soon after they were noticed, they were imported into Germany and then into France. In the year of 1980, 14 ewes and 4 rams were brought by the Canadian government and were quarantined for 5 years.^[1] After the testing, some of the Romanov breed was brought into the United States. The distribution of this unique breed is worldwide.

[edit] Appearance and Condition

These sheep are adapted to the cold inland climate and local feeding. Romanovs are a short-tailed breed and are pure black when they are born. As they grow to be older, the color quickly changes to a gray. The average weight of a male Romanov is 55-80 kilograms and the average weight of a female is 40-50 kilograms.^[2]

[edit] Reproduction

By 3-4 months old, Romanovs are sexually mature and will start breeding any month of the year. The ewe can produce quads, quintuplets, and even sometimes sextuplets.^[3] Romanov ewes tend to lamb in litters, unlike other sheep who give single or twin births. British and North American breeds of domecticated sheep are genetically different because the Romanov breed is a "pure gene", not a "cross".^[4] But, they are often crossed with more popular breeds to increase their profligacy.

[edit] Romanov Wool

Romanov wool is very strong and resourceful. The wool is double coated with mean diameter of wool fibers of 20.9 microns and 71.9 microns of outer-coat hair (lamb wool). Mean greasy fleece weight is around 4.5 kilograms.^[5] The wool, which is a mixture of gray wool and black guard hair, is usually used for rugs, mats, and wall hangings.