16 Dairy Sheep Breeds (A to Z List with Pictures)

Examples of dairy sheep breeds include Assaf Sheep, Awassi Sheep, Bergamasca Sheep, Bovec Sheep, and British Milk Sheep.

Dairy sheep are a type of sheep that are bred specifically for milk production. Dairy sheep generally produce more milk than other types of sheep, and the milk is higher in fat and protein.

Dairy sheep are most commonly found in Europe and the Middle East, but they are also raised in Australia, New Zealand, and North America. While most dairy sheep are used for commercial milk production, some farmers also keep them for their meat or wool.

Examples of Dairy Sheep Breeds

1. Assaf Sheep

The Assaf is a relatively new breed of dairy sheep, developed in Israel in the 1970s. It is a cross between the Awassi and East Friesian breeds. The Assaf is a medium-sized sheep, with both sexes weighing around 150 pounds. The ewes have large udders and can produce up to two gallons of milk per day. The Assaf is a hardy breed and can tolerate hot, dry conditions well.

The Assaf is a popular choice for small-scale dairy farmers due to its high milk yield and easy care requirements. The ewes have little trouble lambing and make good mothers. The lambs grow quickly and are ready for market in as little as four months. The Assaf is also a popular choice for cross-breeding, due to its high milk yield and good mothering instincts. crosses involving the Assaf include the East Friesian-Assaf cross (EFA), which is common in Israel, and the Awassi-Assaf cross (AAA), which is popular in Egypt.

2. Awassi Sheep

The Awassi is the most common dairy sheep breed in the world. They originated in the Middle East and are well-adapted to hot, dry climates. Awassis are large sheep, with ewes weighing up to 250 pounds and rams weighing up to 350 pounds. They have long, thick wool which is used for making carpets and other textiles. Awassis are also good meat sheep, with ewes yielding 40-50 pounds of meat and rams yielding 50-60 pounds of meat.

Awassis are a hardy breed and can live in harsh conditions. They are resistant to diseases and parasites and can go without water for long periods of time. However, they do require some shelter from the hot sun and wind. Awassis are not shy or fearful, and will readily approach humans.

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3. Bergamasca Sheep

The Bergamasca is a small, hardy breed of dairy sheep originating from the Bergamo province in Italy. They are known for their high milk production, and their milk is said to be very flavorful. Bergamascas are also relatively easy to keep, and they don’t require much in the way of pasture or other resources.

The Bergamasca breed is ideal for small-scale sheep farming, as they don’t require much in the way of land or other resources. They are also relatively easy to keep and care for, making them a good choice for those new to sheep husbandry. If you’re looking for a delicious and nutritious milk source, Bergamasca sheep are a great option.

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4. Bovec Sheep

The Bovec sheep is a small to medium-sized breed that is native to the Slovenian Alps. They are well-adapted to cold weather and have a thick, double coat of wool. Bovec sheep are known for their high milk production and excellent milk quality. Their milk is very rich in fat and protein, making it ideal for cheese and other dairy products.

5. British Milk Sheep

The British milk sheep is a small, hardy breed that is well-suited to life on a small farm. They are known for their high milk production, and their milk is very rich in fat and protein. British milk sheep are also known for their gentle temperament, making them a good choice for families with young children.

6. Chios Sheep

The Chios sheep is a native breed of Greece and is known for its superior milk production. The Chios sheep is also a very hardy breed, able to withstand harsh conditions and parasites. However, the Chios sheep is not well suited for meat production and has a lower than average wool yield. The Chios sheep are white with black or dark brown spots.

It is a medium-sized breed, with ewes weighing between 120 and 150 pounds and rams weighing between 150 and 200 pounds. The Chios sheep is a short-horned breed, with both sexes having horns. The Chios sheep is a very docile breed, making it an excellent choice for those who are new to sheep husbandry.

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7. Clun Forest Sheep

The Clun Forest sheep is a British breed of domestic sheep. It derives from the hill sheep of the southern counties of England, in particular from the Long-wool or Southdown types kept in Hampshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire, and has been improved by cross-breeding with Leicesters and Regents. It is associated particularly with the Clun Forest, a lowland area in the southwest of Shropshire.

The Clun Forest is one of the United Kingdom’s native sheep breeds and was formerly common in the southwest of England. However, its numbers declined sharply in the late twentieth century, and it was listed as “vulnerable” by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust in 2007. In 2013 there were only about 300 registered breeding females.

8. East Friesian Sheep

The East Friesian is a dairy sheep breed that is native to the Netherlands and Germany. It is the most popular dairy sheep breed in the world and is known for its high milk production. East Friesian sheep are large animals, with ewes weighing between 150 and 200 pounds and rams weighing between 200 and 250 pounds. They have long, white wool that is used to make yarn and fabric.

East Friesian sheep are very hardy animals and can tolerate cold weather well. They are also resistant to many diseases, making them a good choice for farmers who want to raise healthy animals. However, East Friesian sheep require more care than some other dairy sheep breeds. They need to be sheared twice a year, and their wool must be properly cared for to prevent it from felting.

9. Finnsheep

Finnsheep is a small to medium-sized breed of sheep that originated in Finland. They are known for their high-quality wool and milk production. Finnsheep is also very hardy and adaptable, making them well suited for both cold and warm climates.

One of the downsides of raising Finnsheep is that they can be prone to flystrike (a condition where flies lay their eggs on the sheep’s skin, causing irritation and eventually leading to death).

10. Icelandic Sheep

Icelandic sheep are small to medium-sized breeds that originated in Iceland. They are dual-purpose sheep, meaning they can be used for both meat and wool production. Icelandic sheep are hardy and can tolerate cold weather well. They have a short, dense coat of wool that is light brown or tan in color.

Icelandic sheep are known for their high-quality milk. ewes typically produce around 4 gallons (15 liters) of milk per day, with a fat content of 5-6%.

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11. Karyaka Sheep

Karyaka sheep are a small to medium-sized breed of dairy sheep originally from Turkey. They are a dual-purpose breed, meaning they can be used for both meat and milk production. Karyakas are known for being very hardy and adaptable, able to withstand harsh conditions, and still produce high-quality milk. They typically have white faces and legs with a dark brown or black body.

12. Katahdin

Katahdin sheep are a relatively new breed, developed in the United States in the late 20th century. They are a cross between several other breeds of meat and wool sheep, including the Hampshire, Suffolk, and Southdown. Katahdins are known for their high-quality meat, which is lean and flavorful.

They are also very hardy animals, able to withstand cold weather and harsh conditions. Because of their relatively small size, Katahdins are not well-suited for commercial meat production. However, they make excellent farmstead sheep and can provide a family with plenty of fresh meat.

13. Lacaune Sheep

The Lacaune is the most popular dairy sheep breed in France, and is also common in other parts of Europe. It is a relatively small breed, with ewes weighing around 120-180 pounds and rams weighing around 150-200 pounds.

The Lacaune is known for its high milk production, with some ewes producing over 2,000 pounds of milk per year. The milk is high in fat and protein, making it ideal for cheese production. The Lacaune is also a hardy breed, able to withstand cold weather and poor grazing conditions.

14. Rideau Arcott

Rideau Arcott sheep are a dual-purpose breed, meaning they can be used for both meat and dairy production. They are a relatively new breed, developed in Canada in the 1970s. Rideau Arcotts is a cross between the East Friesian and the Canadian milk sheep breeds. These sheep are known for their high milk production, averaging about 4 percent butterfat. They are also a very hardy breed and can tolerate cold weather well.

15. Sarda Sheep

Sarda sheep are a popular choice for dairy sheep farmers. They are known for their high milk production, and their milk is very rich in fat and protein. Sarda sheep also have a high resistance to disease, making them a good choice for farmers who want to avoid having sick animals on their farms.

One downside of Sarda sheep is that they are not very good at foraging, so they require more supplemental feed than other breeds. They also have a tendency to be aggressive, so they may not be the best choice for farmers who want a calm and docile animal.

16. Zwartbles

The Zwartbles is a black and white sheep from the Netherlands. It is a dual-purpose breed, meaning it can be used for both meat and dairy production. The average milk yield of a Zwartbles ewe is around 2,200 pounds per year. This breed is known for its high-quality wool, which is often used in finer fabrics such as sweaters.

Conclusion

Dairy sheep are a breed of sheep that are bred specifically for milk production. They have been used for centuries to provide milk for cheese, butter, and other dairy products. There are many different breeds of dairy sheep, each with its own unique set of characteristics. Some breeds are better suited to hot climates, while others thrive in cold weather.