Alpines Steinschaf (A, D)
Description
It is al finely boned, small to medium sized sheep with straight profile and slightly Roman nose. Ears stick out and hang down slightly. Rams often carry snail-formed horns, ewes have occasionally oncebent horns. The tail is long and without wool. The fleece consists of mixed wool, all wool colours and markings occur, mainly greys.
General and History
The breed descended directly from Zaupel and should be related to this breed. It represents the original type of the Eastern Alps. In 1985, Dr. Gerhard Burkl and Christian Haarpainter traced the remaining animals down. A herdbook was founded in 1991.
Distribution in the past and today
In 1938, the breed was only found in Berchtesgaden, around Traunstein and southeast of Rosenheim.
Utilization
Main use is lamb production, landscape management and wool production.
Keeping
During Summer, the animals stay on high-altitude pastures and graze the exentsive grasslands at the foothilss oft the Alps. Housing during wintertime lasts for 4-6 months. The animals are kept within the frame of subsidiary / part time farming and by amateurs.
Breeding aims
Breeding of a well-adapted and robust and resistant sheep for rough high-mountain sites, safe in difficult terrain, best maternal characteristics, longevity, non-seasonal, early maturing and high fertility and rearing performance.
Performance
Withers height: 73-80cm (m), 65-70cm (w)
Body weight: 60-75kg (m), 45-60kg (w)
Fleece weight: 3,5 kg (m), 3,0kg (w)
Lambing percentage: 170-200%
Processing and products
The „Arge Alpines Steinschaf“markets the wool of gehe breed with a special logo.
Literature
Antje Feldmann, Ursula Bietzker, Christian Mendel (2005): Schafrassen der Alpen, GEH und LfL, Grub, Deutschland (Hrsg.)
