The Cotswold is a sturdy breed that can survive in rugged and hilly environments but thrives best in healthy pastures and meadows. The Cotswold is simple to train to come to a bucket. The lambing percentage is typically between 150 - 175 percent. The lambs are big, but the breed has few lambing issues, and the lambs increase and suckle rapidly. Ewes produce a lot of milk and are wonderful mothers. They have thick, coarse wool on their bodies and a forelock that wiggles over their eyes. The wool is white, nice, and smooth. Their faces are also white, with tan or grey mottling. They have black hooves and tiny black dots on their ears sometimes.
Cotswold sheep Origin
The Cotswold sheep are thought to be originated from vast Roman farms. The Cotswold Hills had been recognized as a hub of the English wool market by the Medieval Period. During the 18th and 19th centuries, the Cotswold breed was enhanced by combining the Leicester and Lincoln purebreds to incorporate size to the Cotswold.
All through the 19th century the breed gained popularity and was extensively marketed. The reputation of the Cotswolds declined as the wool market slowed, and by the end of World War I, only a few flocks remained. By the mid 20th century, there was only one big breeding herd and a few smaller flocks were available, but levels have steadily increased since then. The Cotswold Sheep Society is flourishing, and the count is rising.
Cotswold sheep Facts & Uses
The Cotswold was used in the creation of the Oxford Down, Oldenburg, Oldfield, and Colbred varieties. The Cotswold breed builds up width and shape, improves wool yield, and transforms its capacity to thrive and fatten on pasture in a breeding program. Other longwool breeds may be favored as crossing progeny due to their higher prolificacy, but the Cotswold has been used on varieties including the Cheviot, Welsh Mountain, North Country Mule, and Suffolk with success. The North Country Mule and Suffolk Longwool hybrids have done well for numerous breeding farms. The Cotswold has been utilized as a parent lamb in commercial production and has also has shown to have outstanding results.
Purebred Cotswold lambs are slaughtered between 4 and 6 months of age and carry a carcass weight of around 18-22kg. The breed is appropriate for hogget and mutton supply, but care must be taken to prevent them from becoming too overweight. The meat is well-known for its unique taste and is in high demand When crossed with a Down ram, the Cotswold ewe can yield a lamb that grows quickly and grades well.
Cotswold sheep Height & Weight
The Cotswold breed's average height is 70cm to 85cm, and its average weight is 270lb to 350lb approximately.
Cotswold Wool type
They have thick, coarse wool on their bodies and a forelock that wiggles over their eyes. The wool is white, nice, and smooth.
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