[breed data from Shropshire Sheep Breeders’ Association website]
“Shropshire sheep are a Tri-purpose breed (meat, wool and tree-friendly) originally developed in the early 19th Century by farmers in Shropshire and the West Midlands. The Shropshire Sheep Breeders’ Association was formed in 1882 and has the distinction of being the oldest breed society in the UK.
“The Rams are robust, will work early in the season and make good crossing sires. The Ewes are excellent mothers with long productive lives, also being able to naturally cycle early for lambs from December onwards. The Lambs are vigorous, grow fast and produce a good meaty carcass. They can finish from grass alone. Shropshire sheep are hardy and versatile and thrive in a wide range of conditions, adapting to every soil and climate.
“During the period of the National Scrapie Plan, nearly 4,500 Shropshires were scrapie genotyped. The breed was completely free from the “V” allele, which is linked to scrapie susceptibility. The National Scrapie Plan figures showed that around 60% of animals are Type 1 or Type 2 – the most resistant genotypes.
“Shropshires produce high quality wool, suitable for hand knitting and a wide range of other uses. The sheep have a more complete covering of wool than any other Downland breed, and produce a heavy, dense fleece weighing between 2 and 3kg. The wool is described by the British Wool Marketing Board as “Fine with a pleasantly soft handle and almost free from kemp and grey and black fibres”. The staple length is typically between 10 to 15cm and Shropshire wool has a Bradford Quality Count of 54s to 56s.”
Pictures provided by Shropshire Sheep Breeders’ Association [1st Piddington Flock, 2nd Alderton Flock, 3rd Troutsdale Flock, 4th Ushers Flock] For more information visit: UK - Shropshire Sheep Breeders’ Association https://www.shropshire-sheep.co.uk/ USA – American Shropshire Registry Association http://www.shropshires.org/
[breed data from Shropshire Sheep Breeders’ Association website]
