Schwarzes Bergschaf

Index

Description

It is a medium-sized to large unicoloured black local sheep of the Alpine region. The narrow head has a Roman nose, is polled and carries broad lop ears. The fleece consists of black wool with a finess of 32 to 36 micron.

General and History

The bred developed from crossbreeding Steinschaf and Bergamasca. Mountain farmers have always kept some black sheep in their white herds. During the last years, Upper-Bavarian farmers have started to record individual animals. In 2003, a herdbook was founded.

Distribution in the past and today

South-Tirol, Tirol, Bavaria, Switzerland

Utilization

Main use is the lamb production and landscape management. The animals are mostly kept by part-time farmers.

Keeping

It is mainly kept in paddocks on the extensive grasslands at the foothills of the Alps. Housing during wintertime lasts for 4-6 months.

Breeding aims

Breeding of a well-adapted sheep for rough high-mountains sites, early maturing with best maternal characteristics, longevity and high fertility.

Performance

Body weight: 85-110kg (m), 70-80kg (w)
Withers height: 80-85cm (m), 72-80cm (w)
Fleece weight: 6-8kg (m), 4-6kg (m)

Literature

Schafrassen in den Alpen, Antje Feldmann, Ursula Bietzker, Dr. Christian Mendel, Gesellschaft zur Erhaltung alter und gefährdeter Haustierrassen e.V. - GEH.

Non-Governmental organisations

Gesellschaft zur Erhaltung alter und gefährdeter Haustierrassen e.V. (GEH), GEH-Geschäftsstelle, Walburger Straße 2, D-37213 Witzenhausen, Tel.: +43 (0)5542 1864, Email: info@g-e-h.de