East Friesians are milking sheep that are named after the German province of East Frisia. They are known for their milking ability and are among the top dairy sheep known. Each ewe yields 600-700 kg of milk per birth. The sheep milk test shows that it has a fat content of 6-7 percent, making it the maximum fat content of any sheep breed.
These sheep, on the other hand, are not very adaptive. They perform badly in warmer regions, as well as in industrial locations. This is one of the reasons they aren't widely developed outside of the region where they originated. Instead, they are frequently crossed with indigenous sheep herds to boost milk output.
East Friesian Sheep Origin
East Friesian Sheep breed originated in northern Germany and Holland, specifically in the Friesland region. The primary aim of the breed is to provide milk. Additionally, the breed is also used to cross other breeds to enhance milk yield in breeds of sheep that are not used to produce dairy products.
East Friesian Sheep Weight
A Fully grown ram weighs approximately 225-270 pounds (102-122 kg) while a fully grown ewe weighs approximately 160-180 pounds (73-82 kg).
East Friesian Sheep Milk Production
The East Friesian is distinguished from other sheep breeds by its capacity to yield significant amounts of milk at peak lactation, up to 5-6 liters per day, and to maintain lactation over a lengthy length of time.
Sheep milk has a higher amount of overall solids than cattle and goat milk, making it suitable for cheese manufacturing. The East Friesian's butterfat levels range from 4.5 percent to 6 percent in peak lactation to 9-10 percent in late lactation.Â
In 265 days, Super Elite Ewes will yield between 700 and 1000 liters. With an average lactation time of 220 days, a decent flock average is 400 liters per ewe. In the first lactation, yields will be lower, and in the third, fourth, and fifth lactations, yields will be higher.
East Friesian Sheep Meat
East Friesian sheep breed is mainly grown for milking purposes and is not intended for meat purposes due to its average growth rate. However, meat produced by the East Friesian sheep breed is soft and juicy and their lambing percentage is also good.
East Friesian Sheep Wool Quality
Their faces are white and expose, making the breed convenient to handle and Friesian sheep wool is of good length and depth considering that the wool is usually a bonus for those who raise Friesian sheep.
They have delicate wool that isn't used much in the wool business. Their fleece is typically soft and medium to fine in texture, thick, long stapled, and kemp-free.
East Friesian Sheep Cost
These sheep can be quite pricey. On average, the cost per head can be around $800 to $1000. This is primarily due to their scarcity and ability to produce milk.
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