Beautiful breed of sheep – Texel, characterization, description, photos
It is known as one of the oldest beef breeds in Europe. Homeland of the Sheep – the Netherlands, where for the first time began to improve the meat quality of sheep by crossing local breeds with English. Because of these experiments Texel breed was mixed. There are 3 types of rocks: English, French and Dutch. The main difference between the species is the growth of sheep: Texel types typically British rock slightly above the Dutch representatives.
The breed meat, so the most developed muscular system. The head is not large, rounded trunk, limbs thin, short tail. Sheep grow up to 85 cm at the withers and weigh up to 140 kg, sheep weigh up to 125 kg with a height at the withers – 70 cm at the age, a young ram weighs under 120 kg, and the sheep -. 80 kg. Texel sheep are born with a weight of 5-6 kg, and begin with the earliest days of actively gaining weight, it lasts about 2 months after growth slightly reduced. The lambs are gaining weight rapidly due to the fatty and nutritious milk of sheep, in some species the fat content as high as 10% with more protein and lactose.
Wool is thick, dense, white, crossbred, the average fineness. Quality wool sheep texel average, fineness of 25-35 microns and a length of 10-15 cm. The head and limbs are not covered with hair. For one haircut you can get up to 7 kg of wool from sheep and up to 5.5 kg per sheep, do this procedure once a year, in the warm. Pure wool, about 70% is obtained, it is possible to use natural fibers for the manufacture or sale.
But most of texel sheep prized for its taste qualities of meat. Meat is not only quality, but also very fast growing and at slaughter provides maximum income of the pure product. In a measure of fat, gentle with a pleasant smell and taste makes the meat of sheep other than a delicacy, even for the most refined gourmet. The younger the animal, the meat tastes better, and the more it turns pure meat because the bones in young lambs are light and small.
Sheep may result from 1 to 5 lambs per lambing. Most often twins are born, at least 3 to 5 lambs and lonely young. Mating begin as soon as the cold winter ends: February and March, it is carried out only once a year. Often sheep give birth to a rather long and difficult because of the large weight of the lamb, so the presence of the expert is welcome. To lamb with mother grew stronger, they are placed in a separate room in two days.
Texel Sheep are very independent and prefer to stick to each other at a distance. They can graze together with a large cattle in open areas. Thick fur protects animals from any adverse weather conditions. They are well accustomed to the new conditions and practically do not get sick.