Texels were first introduced into the UK in the early 1970s, initially by the Animal Breeding Research Organisation and later by a group of farmers from southern Scotland.
The breed originates from the Dutch island of Texel and was developed from the native Pielsteert breed with Lincoln Longwool, Leicester Longwool and Wensleydale genetics introduced in the latter part of the 19th century.
Like many breeds its type varies depending where in the world you are, but all Texels are known for their high yielding, lean carcasses.
The British Texel is a medium sized sheep with a long rectangular body, well proportioned with a level back and medium bone structure. The Texel’s outstanding qualities are its pronounced muscling and long loin coupled with the unique leanness inherited from the original Texel sheep.
Since its importation into the UK the breed has become well recognised for its excellent carcass characteristics and further work by British breeders has seen it become the most popular terminal sire in the country, as well as a leading maternal breed.
A large all white breed, Texels are noted for their tight, dense fleece which they pass on to its offspring when crossed with other breeds and excel in commercial flocks due to their high lean meat yield.
Since their introduction into the UK the breed has spread across the country, from the tip of Cornwall to the Shetland isles and all points in between, proving itself highly adaptable to all environments and farming systems.
Recent years have seen British Texel genetic exported across the world, including the USA, Brazil and New Zealand, as well as a number of exports back to the European mainland, including France, The Netherlands, Switzerland and Germany.
Texel ewes have proven themselves able to adapt to many different climates, producing lambs in forage-based systems the world over.
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