The Gute sheep is a breed that descends from the horned sheep that have been kept on the island of Gotland for several centuries. By the beginning of the year 1940, this race was considered extinct. It was from a few sheep that the reproduction of this species was started again.
This breed originates from breeds from Northern Europe, and studies have shown that the breed’s genetics are linked to several breeds of sheep, including the Faroe, Orkney, Romanov, Finnsheep, Spelsau and Sheep that come from Iceland.
The name of this breed comes from 2 Swedish words, “G” which is the Gotland island where this breed originates and “ute” means outdoors, and this breed is kept outdoors for much of the year, so The combination “Gute” for the name.
Characteristics of Gute Sheep
The Gute sheep is a medium breed. The male weighs between 70 to 100kg and the female weighs between 45 to 60kg. This breed has both male and female horns, male horns are larger and coarser, measure between 39 and 90 centimeters in length.
The base of the horn is between 20 and 29 centimeters and its base is shaped Triangular, while the horns of the females reach between 21 and 43 centimeters in length, and between 12 and 14 centimeters of the base, and said base is oval. In both sexes, the horns are inclined backward and they have pronounced curvature.
The tail for both sexes of this species can measure between 13 and 17 centimeters. The coat of this species has varied colors. In some cases the coat is gray and the legs and face are black, they are also born light gray, with some white shades around the body, including the mouth And around the eyes.
When they are born while they are not totally of this color, they have gray and black tufts. The wool that produces this species is smooth and sometimes with curlers, it has variations in the wool. They can be of fine fiber and of thick fiber. In sheep of this breed that are dark, gray wool that is fine fiber is black.
The gray wool they produce is a combination of white and black fibers. The fine wool is white and the thick wool is black. The female sheep at one year of age are already ready for breeding. They can produce individual births as twin deliveries.
Food
The Gute sheep is a breed that is kept outdoors. So your diet is made up of the consumption of grass, grass, pines,
Usage
The Gute sheep is a double-purpose breed, produced by the consumption of their meat and by the production of wool. Today this breed is produced mainly by the production of wool.
Special Feature
The Gute sheep have a life span of 11 to 12 years. A study conducted in Sweden in 2012 showed that there are about 5,200 specimens of this breed. In 2007 GutefårAkademin has created an organization that focuses on the preservation and care of the breed so that it is not in danger of extinction, and not in its improvement of the characteristics for the production.
Sheep Profile
| Sheep name | Gute Sheep |
| Other Name | Gutefar |
| Sheep Purpose | Meat and wool |
| Coat color | Dark gray, light gray, black and white |
| Weight | 45 to 100 Kg |
| Climate Tolerance | All climates |
| Country of Origin | Sweden |
FAQ
Are Gotland sheep rare?
Yes, Gotland sheep are considered to be a rare breed. They originated in the Swedish island of Gotland and were first imported to North America in the early 1990s. Since then, their numbers have been steadily increasing, but they remain a relatively uncommon breed.
What makes a good sheep?
A good sheep is one that is healthy, well-cared for, and productive. To ensure a healthy sheep, it is important to provide them with nutritious food and clean water, as well as regular vaccinations and parasite control. It is also important to make sure the sheep have plenty of space to move around in and are not overcrowded.
How many sheep are in Gotland?
Gotland is an island located off the east coast of Sweden, and it is home to a large number of sheep. According to the Swedish Board of Agriculture, there are approximately 60,000 sheep in Gotland as of 2019. This is more than double the number that were present in 2009.
Conclusion
If you are looking to become a shepherd or just have an interest in the Gute sheep, I hope this guide has helped. Gotland is known for its rich culture and history that dates back nearly 1,000 years. The islanders maintain their traditions by preserving old customs like embroidery work on linen cloths, singing songs about nature with gusto at traditional celebrations called ’tillägnelser,’ and practicing archaic skills such as weaving wool into intricate tapestries underfoot looms. Their food reflects these roots too- think crisp rye bread topped with fresh butter from grass-fed cows grazing nearby pastures. Enjoy your stay! Good luck!
As A Reference: Wikipedia
