Zwartbles

The Zwartbles is a breed of domestic sheep originating in the Friesland region of the Netherlands. Primarily used for production of sheep milk as well as lamb and mutton, the Zwartbles has a unique, striking appearance: a black fleece with white accents on the face, feet, and tail (which is traditionally undocked). Both rams and ewes are polled. Zwartbles are relatively large sheep: ewes weigh an average of 85kg (187 lbs), and rams 100kg (220 lbs).

Traditionally used for both milk and meat in the Netherlands, it declined significantly until it was Dutch Rare Breed Survival trust in the mid-1970s. The Zwartbles has more recently been exported to the United Kingdom. The breed association there was formed in 1995. In the U.K., Zwartbles rams are sometimes for crossing with ewes of other breeds to create mules.

References

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ee also

* List of sheep breeds

External links

* [http://www.nzs.nl/ Nerderlands Zwartbles Schapenstamboek] , Dutch Zwartbles flockbook