SHEEPThe domestic sheep is a multi-purpose animal, with more than 200 breeds in existence worldwide and over 60 breeds recognised in the UK.
One of the earliest animals to be domesticated for agricultural purposes, sheep are raised for fleece (wool), meat (lamb, hogget or mutton) and milk. Being a key animal in the history of farming, sheep have a deeply entrenched place in human culture, and find representation in much modern language. The basis for our flock is the Scottish BlackFace. We started with 12 breeding (cast) ewes and in November 2009 introduced them to a neighbours Blue Faced Leicester Tupp (Male). In the spring of 2010 these produced our first home bred lambs - Scottish Mules. During the following year we added some more Scottish Blackface and selected the best of the Mule ewes for further breeding. The remainder were used for locally produced Lamb or Mutton. The breeding process was repeated in Nov 2010 with the Blackfaces, again using the loan of a neighbours Tupp. In 2011 we decided to obtain our own Tupps, a Blue Face Leicester for the Blackfaces and a Texel for the Mules. This added a new dimension to the lambing in Spring 2012 and resulted in 42 lambs, with a real sense of Townhead ownership and breeding. Domestic Sheep require attention and management throughout their life, ranging from ensuring plentiful supplies of pasture through to shearing and regular health checks. Shepherding is a skill and sheep farming is an agricultural discipline in its own right, however, the products from a well reared domestic sheep are second to none. |
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