Devon Closewool

The Devon Closewool is a breed of the domestic sheep originating in the Exmoor region of southwest England.[1][2] This breed is raised primarily for meat.[3] It was developed in the late 19th century by crossing native Exmoor ewes with a Devon Longwool ram. A breed society was formed in 1923, and the first flocks registered dated back to 1894. It has since expanded its range into neighboring regions.

The Devon Closewool is a white faced sheep with a dense, medium-length fleece.[4] Both rams and ewes are naturally polled. The Devon Closewool is a medium size sheep, with average ewes weigh 55 kg (121 lbs) to 60 kg (132 lbs) and rams weigh 90 kg (198 lbs).[5] It is a breed with a stout, symmetrical appearance that is hardy and suited to open grasslands and heaths in upland territory.

References

  1. ↑ "Devon Closewool". york.ac.uk. The Sheep Trust. Retrieved 2009-04-14.
  2. ↑ "Devon Closewool Sheep". Breeds of Livestock. Oklahoma State University Dept. of Animal Science. Retrieved 2009-04-14.
  3. ↑ "Devon Closewool/United Kingdom". Breed Data Sheet. Domestic Animal Diversity Information Service. Retrieved 2009-08-28.
  4. ↑ Susan Schoenian Sheep & Goat Specialist, University of Maryland. "Devon Closewool". Sheep Breeds D-F. Retrieved 2009-04-14.
  5. ↑ "Devon Closewool". Heritage Sheep. Retrieved 2009-04-14.

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