Brown mountain sheep

DESCRIPTION:

Medium size. Slightly smaller than white mountain sheep. Wool cognac-coloured to dark brown. Head: Roman-nose profile and slender. Both sexes hornless. Long, broad and fleshy hanging ear. Straight wool.

RAM

Height at withers 70-75

Weight 75-80

EWE

Height at withers 65-70

Weight 65-70

DISTRIBUTION:

German Alps and foothills, especially Tegernsee Valley and Werdenfels region. Similar animals in Austria and Italy, which seem suited for the introduction of fresh blood.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

Robust. Usually spend summers in high alpine meadows. Well suited to the raw high mountain climate. As with all mountain sheep, shorn twice a year. Wool marketed at favourable prices. Wool processed to make brown jackets that are part of the traditional costume of Southern Bavaria. Annual wool yield is 6.0-7.0 kg from rams and 4.0-5.0 kg from ewes. Fertile. Prolificacy 175%

BREEDING HISTORY:

Brown animals were frequently born to the White Mountain Sheep. The first flock of about 100 brown mountain sheep was developed before the Second World War. It has been recognized as a separate breed since 1977. Due to high demand for undyed dark wool in recent years, the need for breeding animals can scarcely be met at present. Approximately 20 flocks; some 200 ewes.

Brown Mountain Sheep brochure

Source:

Tyrolean Sheep Breeding Association - Brown Tyrolean Mountain Sheep

Brixner Straße 1
A-6020 Innsbruck

Tel.: +43 (0) 592 92 1861
Fax: +43 (0) 592 92 1869