The White Polled Heath sheep is a breed native to Germany. They also know this breed as Moorschnucke in that country. Studies have shown that this breed originated from the crossing of the Landrace breed with a Gray Heath. Today this breed is breeding in northern Germany.
The White Polled Heath sheep is a small breed and landrace of North German sheep. It belongs to the Heidschnucke family, part of the Northern European short-tailed sheep group. However, unlike other types of Heidschnucke, it is entirely white and polled. The White Polled Heath is also one of the few breeds that still has its natural color: white with black or brown spots on the nose and legs.
Characteristics of White Polled Heath Sheep
The White Polled Heath sheep is a medium-sized breed. The males reach 60-70 kg, while females reach 40-50 kg. Both males or females of this species do not have horns. It is a tough breed, it can be in strong climates. It comes to live in swampy places as well as in natural reserves, and in areas where there is much humidity.
His coat is white and grows on most of his body except on his face and legs. His hooves are white and have some hardness. The tail is short. The ears are totally straight without any inclination. They grow to between 10 to 15 centimeters.
Food
The White Polled Heath sheep is a breed that is maintained by intense grazing. Its food is found in open spaces. Its main source of food is made up of leaves, shrubs, herbaceous plants, blueberry fungi.
Usage
The White Polled Heath sheep are bred for being a dual-purpose breed. The flesh that produces this sheep is lean meat, which has an exquisite taste that makes it very consumed. The color of this meat is darker than other breeds.
The wool that produces this race is double layered. The inside is soft, and the outside is hard. What makes the outer layer impermeable, and is water-resistant. They walk in the water, while the water does not pass from their knees.
Special Feature
The White Polled Heath sheep are in danger of extinction and are on the red list of consulting animal genetic resources. According to a study carried out in Germany, today there are about 5,000 individuals of this species. The meat of these animals is considered a delicacy, and it’s leaner than other breeds. The flavor has been described as spicy with gamey notes for those who enjoy this type of food!
The natural diet of the White Polled Heath sheep includes some plants such as fungi, lichens and mosses. The most prominent among these is purple moor grass with its vivid colors that can be seen every spring on hillsides across Northern Ireland where it grows wild after heavy winter snows melt away leaving behind boggy ground filled not only by water but also many species living in symbiosis with this earthy ecosystem like cranberry or crowberry trees – valuable commercial sources for fruit products including jams!
Sheep Profile
| Sheep name | White Polled Heath sheep |
| Other Name | Moorschnucke |
| Sheep Purpose | Meat and wool |
| Coat color | White |
| Weight | 40 to 70 Kg |
| Climate Tolerance | All climates |
| Country of Origin | Germany |
FAQ
What are the White Polled Heath sheep’s origins?
The White Polled Heath sheep is a breed of domestic sheep native to Germany. It is believed to have originated in the late 1800s when German farmers crossed various local breeds with English Southdown and Dorset Horn breeds. The resulting hybrid was the White Polled Heath, which was then bred for its hardiness and adaptability to extreme climates.
What is the White Polled Heath sheep’s average lifespan?
The White Polled Heath sheep is a breed of domestic sheep that originated in the United Kingdom. They are a hardy and strong breed, known for their ability to thrive in harsh climates and on rough terrain. As such, they have an average lifespan of 12-15 years when kept in good conditions.
How big are White Polled Heath sheep males and females?
White Polled Heath sheep males are typically larger than females. Males can reach up to 60-70 kg in weight, while females typically reach between 40-50 kg.
Conclusion
In this blog post, we’ve discussed the White Polled Heath. This is a small breed and landrace of North German sheep which belongs to the Heidschnucke family, part of the Northern European short-tailed sheep group. Unlike other types of Heidschnucke sheep, it is entirely white and polled. We hope you found our guide informative! Good luck in your search for information about these rare animals around the world!
As A Reference: Wikipedia
