Danish Landrace (sheep)
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The Danish Landrace ( Danish language: ', ') is a breed of sheep endemic to Jutland in Denmark. The breed, which had a population of approximately 370 in 2000, is not a true landrace, but descend from Heath sheep and Merino, with early specimen interbreeding in the 19th century with
Leicester Leicester ( ) is a city status in the United Kingdom, city, Unitary authorities of England, unitary authority and the county town of Leicestershire in the East Midlands of England. It is the largest settlement in the East Midlands. The city l ...
and
Oxford Down The Oxford Down is a British breed of domestic sheep. It was developed in the 1830s by cross-breeding of Hampshire Down and Southdown ewes with Cotswold rams. It is reared primarily for meat. History The Oxford Down developed from abo ...
sheep. While up to 10% of males have horns, the breed is mostly polled.


Description

The Danish Landrace sheep is a rather small and light breed. They are a very hardy breed and are thought to have survived because they do well in the harsh climate and nutrient poor lands of the dune heaths of western Jutland. No other sheep breed can compete with them in this particular habitat, but they require large areas to roam and are a wild breed by nature. With males averaging and females , Danish Landrace are a medium-sized, double-coated long-tailed sheep that produce of fleece. As meat is not abundant on Danish Landrace sheep, their plenty of wool is used in manufacturing wool blankets and carpets. The face and tail of the sheep are spotted brown, but they are predominantly white. Danish Landrace sheep can be experienced at The Funen Village open-air museum.


Conservation status

In 1986, the Danish Landrace sheep population was down to almost 50 animals, with only three male breeders registered. Danish conservation efforts has now stabilized the breed, with an estimated stock of about 1,100 animals and 30 registered male breeders in 28 herds (2004 numbers). The breed is still largely endangered though.
Foreningen "Gamle Danske husdyrracer" is a non-profit public Danish association to secure old and original Danish landrace breeds and disseminate knowledge of these breeds.
EFABIS


See also

*
List of sheep breeds This is a list of breeds of domestic sheep. Domestic sheep (''Ovis aries'') are partially derived from mouflon (''Ovis gmelini'') stock, and have diverged sufficiently to be considered a different species. Domestic sheep breeds Sorted alphabetica ...


References


Sources


Dansk Landfår/Sheep/Denmark
European Farm Animal Biodiversity Information System (EFABIS) Sheep breeds Sheep breeds originating in Denmark {{sheep-stub