Hair and Double-Coated Breeds: Barbados Blackbelly and American Blackbelly
Barbados Blackbelly sheep, of predominantly West African origin, were imported from Barbados into the U.S. in the early 1900s. The breed was almost lost in the U.S. as a result of cross-breeding, but has made a come-back due to the efforts of a small group of dedicated breeders. The breed's hair coat is a distinctive red- brown color with black belly and badger face pattern, and requires no shearing. These sheep are medium in size, hardy, prolific, and breed year-round. Their meat is extremely lean and mild. They are favored by the grass-fed, all-natural market because they can be raised without chemical intervention in most locales and do well on lower-quality forage.
Barbados Blackbelly
American Blackbelly are a hair sheep that originated in Texas from crossing Barbados Blackbelly with Mouflon and Rambouillet. The breed is small-sized and slow to reach mature weight. However, they breed year-round, are fertile at 4 months, and generally twin. Referred to as "barbado," "blackbelly barbados," "barbies," and "barbs," they succeed as a range sheep because they generally require little if any human intervention. They are disease resistant, parasite tolerant, and able to lamb unassisted. Their meat is extremely lean and mild, and their massive rack of horns is prized by trophy hunters.
American Blackbelly
BARBADOS BLACKBELLY
MATURE BODY WEIGHT
Ram 90-150 lb.
Ewe 85-100 lb.
AMERICAN BLACKBELLY
MATURE BODY WEIGHT
Ewe 75-95 lb.