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Leicester Longwool

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The Leicester Longwool is a specialized breed of sheep originating from England.

Leicester sheep, Virginia
Leicester sheep, Virginia

This breed is highly valued for its heavy fleece and meaty carcass. Because of these traits, farmers have used them to improve many other sheep breeds. They go by several different names. Some people call them the Bakewell Leicester or the Dishley Leicester. Other names include the English Leicester, the Improved Leicester, or the New Leicester.

The physical appearance of a Leicester Longwool is very specific. The head should be carried well and not too high. There should be no signs of horns on the poll, which is the sheep's forehead. The face is usually a wedge shape. It is covered in white hairs and may show a blue tinge. The lips and nostrils are black. While black specks on the face or ears are allowed, the overall look must be balanced.

English Leicester Lambs
English Leicester Lambs

The neck is of medium length. The shoulders are strong and level with a flat back. The legs are straight and set wide apart. Finally, the hooves are black.

One of the most important parts of this breed is the fleece. The wool is very dense, meaning it forms thick, blocky clumps. These clumps are known as the staple. The fleece is also lustrous, which means it has a noticeable shine. It features a well-defined crimp, or wave, that runs from the skin to the tip of the fiber. The common fiber diameter for this breed is between 32 and 38 micrometres.

English Leicester Lambs
English Leicester Lambs

The history of this breed is tied to a man named Robert Bakewell. He lived during the 1700s and worked in Dishley Grange, Leicestershire. Bakewell was a famous innovator in animal breeding. He used modern techniques to select specific livestock for certain traits. In the 1700s, the Leicester Longwool was slow-growing and had coarse bones. Through Bakewell's breeding methods, the sheep were developed to be fast-growing and to gain weight quickly.

Illustrirte Zeitung (1843) 12 182 2 Leicester Schur-Widder des Herrn Stone
Illustrirte Zeitung (1843) 12 182 2 Leicester Schur-Widder des Herrn Stone

These sheep have a long history of traveling to new lands. The Leicester Longwool was one of the first pure sheep breeds introduced to Australia in 1826. Today, they are found in several different countries. You can find them in Australia, New Zealand, Great Britain, Sweden, and the United States. They are considered sound-footed animals. This means they can live comfortably on flat land, hilly land, or marginal country.

Leicester sheep, Virginia
Leicester sheep, Virginia

Despite their history, the breed faces challenges in its home country. In the United Kingdom, the Leicester Longwool is now one of the rarest breeds. The Rare Breeds Survival Trust categorizes them as endangered. This status is due to the very small number of animals remaining. There are currently fewer than 500 registered breeding females left in the United Kingdom.

Illustrirte Zeitung (1843) 12 182 2 Leicester Schur-Widder des Herrn Stone
Illustrirte Zeitung (1843) 12 182 2 Leicester Schur-Widder des Herrn Stone

When observing a Leicester Longwool, you can see their strong constitution. They are large-framed animals with wide, even toplines. This refers to the straightness of their backs. They are also known for having good temperaments. When they move, they should appear free, active, and well-balanced. A healthy sheep should look alert and robust while showing its unique style and character.

English Leicester Lambs
English Leicester Lambs
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File:Leicester sheep, Virginia.jpg
Leicester sheep, Virginia.jpg
File:Illustrirte Zeitung (1843) 12 182 2 Leicester Schur-Widder des Herrn Stone.PNG
Illustrirte Zeitung (1843) 12 182 2...
File:English Leicester Lambs.jpg
English Leicester Lambs.jpg
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