Krainer Steinschaf (D)
Description
Bovec is a finely boned small to medium-sized sheep with straight head and slightly Roman nose. The ears stick out horizontally. The tail is long and without wool. Rams and ewes are mostly polled. The fleece consists of mixed wool, the colours black and white prevail; different colour markings occur, too.
General and History
The breed descends directly from Torf sheep and is supposed to be related to Zaupel, too. It represents the original type of the Eastern Alps. Last remains of this breed were conserved in Triglav National Park, where it is today still kept for milk production. In 1992, the first sheep wre brought to Germany to rescue the breed.
Related Breeds:
Bovska pasma, Alpine Steinschaf, Montafon
Distribution in the past and today
Border triangle Slowenien, Kärnten, Oberitalien (Triglav Nationalpark, Region Trenta, Julische Alpen, Mont Mangart, Val Resia im Friaul). Also in Germany
Utilization
Main use is the lamb production and landscape management. Milk production ist planned, too
Keeping
The animals are kept on extensive grasslands at the foothils of the Alps. Housing during wintertime lasts for 4-6 months. The animals are kept by part-time farmers and 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, rearing performance and sucking performance.
Performance
Trading life weight lamb: 35-40 kg, delicious meat,
Milk: in 130 production days 195 l with 6.5% fat
Wool: m 3.5 kg, w 2,5-3 kg
Processing and products
Soft cheese
Carpeting, felting, knitting wool
