|
|
Estonian native sheep
study material
 The Estonian native sheep is regarding to historical descriptions and to the character of the Baltic Sea region native sheep (Nordic short tailed sheep) a local native sheep. The Estonian native sheep is not officially recognized as a native specie.
In the inventory made by the Estonian Native Sheep Association during 2003 to 2005 a lot of rams had horns but very few ewes had. The diversity was large – it was found grey, black, white and spotted sheep. Some grey sheep could fade into (yellow) light brown. Some black sheep could fade into dark brown. Real brown colour have not been found among the Estonian native sheep, as for example is found among the Finnish native sheep.
A native sheep do always have more natural genes from their old ancestors compared to the modern production orientated domestic species. This can for example be seen in the outlooking of native sheep: they have horns, their heads and feet are without wool, they can be spotted, they have “socks” on their legs, they may have a spot or a stripe from their head down to their nose. It is believed that the mufflon is the ancestor to the Nordic short tailed sheep.
How to recognize an Estonian native sheep or North European short tailed sheep?
The Estonian native sheep must origin from Estonia!
Investigate the background and breeding of the animal as far back as possible.
Tail must be possible short.
Head and small legs are without wool.
The head is small and narrow.
Body building is slim grace. Small size.
Ewes can also have horns!
Wool types and colour is diverse.
|
|
