Whiteface Dartmoor
Encyclopedia
The Whiteface Dartmoor is a breed
of domestic sheep
originating in the Dartmoor
region of the United Kingdom
. The Rare Breeds Survival Trust
has designated this breed as "at risk".
during the summer and the valley hay meadows during winter and spring. The majority of flocks still live and thrive on the moor to this day. Consequently this breedy is quite hard and survives well on poor forage. Rams and ewes are horned but this trait seems to be disappearing in recent years. Average fleece weight for a ewe is 6 kg (13 lbs) to 6.5 kg (14 lbs) and it is classified as a longwool, which is unusual for an upland breed. It is raised primarily for meat.
Breed
A breed is a group of domestic animals or plants with a homogeneous appearance, behavior, and other characteristics that distinguish it from other animals or plants of the same species. Despite the centrality of the idea of "breeds" to animal husbandry, there is no scientifically accepted...
of domestic sheep
Domestic sheep
Sheep are quadrupedal, ruminant mammals typically kept as livestock. Like all ruminants, sheep are members of the order Artiodactyla, the even-toed ungulates. Although the name "sheep" applies to many species in the genus Ovis, in everyday usage it almost always refers to Ovis aries...
originating in the Dartmoor
Dartmoor
Dartmoor is an area of moorland in south Devon, England. Protected by National Park status, it covers .The granite upland dates from the Carboniferous period of geological history. The moorland is capped with many exposed granite hilltops known as tors, providing habitats for Dartmoor wildlife. The...
region of the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
. The Rare Breeds Survival Trust
Rare Breeds Survival Trust
The Rare Breeds Survival Trust is a conservation charity, whose purpose is to secure the continued existence and viability of the United Kingdom’s native farm animal genetic resources...
has designated this breed as "at risk".
Characteristics
The Whiteface are a traditional hill sheep. They have been raised on the hills of Dartmoor, grazing heatherCalluna
Calluna vulgaris is the sole species in the genus Calluna in the family Ericaceae. It is a low-growing perennial shrub growing to tall, or rarely to and taller, and is found widely in Europe and Asia Minor on acidic soils in open sunny situations and in moderate shade...
during the summer and the valley hay meadows during winter and spring. The majority of flocks still live and thrive on the moor to this day. Consequently this breedy is quite hard and survives well on poor forage. Rams and ewes are horned but this trait seems to be disappearing in recent years. Average fleece weight for a ewe is 6 kg (13 lbs) to 6.5 kg (14 lbs) and it is classified as a longwool, which is unusual for an upland breed. It is raised primarily for meat.