Bluefaced Leicester
The Bluefaced Leicester originated near Hexham in Northumberland (UK) in the early part of the 1900s.
The breed was developed to produce top quality crossbred ewes out of the native Blackface and Swaledale ewes. Rams were selected
for their ability to impart improved conformation, length, milkiness, and prolificy in their crossbred daughters. The Bluefaced
Leicester's fleece is the finest of the longwools, and it is important that the wool be tightly purled, fine and open cleanly
to the skin. The Bluefaced has a broad muzzle, with a tendency towards a roman nose, bright alert eyes and long erect ears. They
are naturally free of wool on their head, neck, belly and legs; the colour of the head skin should be dark blue showing through white
hair. There should be a good length of neck laid into broad shoulders, a long strong back (they are the longest bodied British sheep)
and the legs well positioned and strong boned.
Avg. lambing percentage: 220%
Avg. ram weight: 290 lbs
Avg. ewe weight:
190 lbs.
Wool:
· Longwool
· White and Natural
Colored
· 3” – 6” staple length
· Count 56’s – 60’s
Website: www.BFLBA.com
Website:www.blueleicester.co.uk
