Romanov (sheep)

The Romanov is a breed of domestic sheep originating from the Volga Valley, which is northeast of Moscow, Russia. These domestic sheep got the name Romanov from the old royal family of Russia. In the 18th century, these sheep first got noticed. Soon after they were noticed, they were imported into Germany and then into France. In the year of 1980, 14 ewes and 4 rams were brought by the Canadian government and were quarantined for 5 years. [Citation
last =
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title = Romonav
date =
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url = http://www.sheep101.info/breedsR.html
accessdate = 2008-03-12] After the testing, some of the Romanov breed was brought into the United States. The distribution of this unique breed is worldwide.

Appearance and Condition

These sheep are adapted to the cold inland climate and local feeding. Romanovs are a short-tailed breed and are pure black when they are born. As they grow to be older, the color quickly changes to a gray. The average weight of a male Romanov is 55-80 kilograms and the average weight of a female is 40-50 kilograms. [Citation
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title = Romanov Sheep
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url = http://www.rala.is/beta/05%20Romanov%20sheep.htm
accessdate = 2008-03-12]

Reproduction

By 3-4 months old, Romanovs are sexually mature and will start breeding any month of the year. The ewe can produce quads, quintuplets, and even sometimes sextuplets. [Citation
last =
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title = Lambs by the Litter
date =
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url = http://www.romanovsheep.com/
accessdate = 2008-03-12] Romanov ewes tend to lamb in litters, unlike other sheep who give single or twin births. British and North American breeds of domecticated sheep are genetically different because the Romanov breed is a "pure gene", not a "cross". [Citation
last =
first =
author-link =
last2 =
first2 =
author2-link =
title = Lambs by the Litter
date =
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url = http://www.romanovsheep.com/
accessdate = 2008-03-12] But, they are often crossed with more popular breeds to increase their profligacy.

Romanov Wool

Romanov wool is very strong and resourceful. The wool is double coated with mean diameter of wool fibers of 20.9 micrometres and 71.9 micrometres of outer-coat hair (lamb wool). Mean greasy fleece weight is around 4.5 kilograms. [Citation
last =
first =
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last2 =
first2 =
author2-link =
title = Romanov Sheep
date =
year =
url = http://www.rala.is/beta/05%20Romanov%20sheep.htm
accessdate = 2008-03-12] The wool, which is a mixture of gray wool and black guard hair, is usually used for rugs, mats, and wall hangings.

References

Sources

1. http://www.romanovsheep.com/
2. http://www.sheep101.info/breedsR.html
3. http://www.rala.is/beta/05%20Romanov%20sheep.htm

External links

* [http://home.columbus.rr.com/narsa/ North American Romanov Sheep Association]
* [http://www.flickr.com/photos/baalands/968339579/ Image of a Romanov ram]