 Ram of the Clun Forest breed | |
| Conservation status | |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | England |
| Use | Meat, Milk, Wool |
| Traits | |
| Weight |
|
| Wool color | White |
| Face color | Dark brown |
| Horn status | Not horned |
| |
The Clun Forest is a breed of domestic sheep originating from the area surrounding the Clun Forest in Shropshire, England.[3] Similar to many of the British breeds of upland sheep, Clun Forest are hardy, adaptable, good foragers, and are long–lived.[3] With sleek heads and wide pelvic structures, Clun Forest ewes lamb easily.[4] The breed has a short to medium–length wool and dark brown faces. They are a multi–purpose animal, kept for meat, wool, and milk.[4] Like other dark faced sheep, Clun produce quality lamb and mutton. However, in contrast to more common meat breeds such as Suffolks, their wool is free of undesirable black fibres and kemp, and is suitable for handspinning.[3] The breed's alert and stylish appearance, together with its reputation for hardiness and fecundity have made it popular with hobby farmers and large commercial flock owners alike. The Official Clun Sheep Breeders Society Show & Sale for males and females is held annually in early September at Ludlow livestock market by McCartneys.
- ^ Barbara Rischkowsky, D. Pilling (eds.) (2007). pg 146. List of breeds documented in the Global Databank for Animal Genetic Resources, annex to The State of the World's Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. Rome: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. ISBN 9789251057629. Accessed August 2017.
- ^ Watchlist 2017–18. Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire: Rare Breeds Survival Trust. Accessed May 2017.
- ^ a b c "Clun Forest". Breeds of Livestock. Oklahoma State University Dept. of Animal Science. Archived from the original on 2007-12-08. Retrieved 2008-01-27.
- ^ a b Simmons, Paula; Carol Ekarius (2001). Storey's Guide to Raising Sheep. North Adams, MA: Storey Publishing LLC. ISBN 978-1-58017-262-2.