Minor Breeds: Bluefaced Leicester

The Bluefaced Leicester origins began in Robert Bakewell’s improvements to England’s longwool sheep in the 1700’s sharing its background with the Border Leicester. The breed was developed to meet the demand of Northern England breeders. It is commonly used as a sire bred on blackfaced hill ewes to produce a highly productive crossbred ewe, traditionally called the “Mule.” The Bluefaced Leicester is a large framed long-bodied sheep. They carry no wool on their heads, bellies, legs, udders, scrotal or vulval areas. The ewes are prolific, carry their udders high and clean and have excellent milking ability. The blue coloring on their heads is covered with a fine white hair. The fleece is classified as a long wool but it can be used to produce high quality luster yarns with drape. The wool is tightly purled, semi-lustrous and opening cleanly to the skin. Though predominantly a white wool breed, it does carry a recessive black gene and natural colored lambs do appear.

MATURE BODY WEIGHT
Ram 230-270 lb
Ewe 160-220 lb

AVERAGE FIBER DIAMETER
Micron 24-28
USDA Wool Grade 56’s-60’s

GREASE FLEECE WEIGHT
Ewe 2.5 - 4.5 lb.

YIELD
75-80%

STAPLE LENGTH
5-6"