American Blackbelly sheep are a
composite breed resulting from the crossing of Barbados Blackbelly with Mouflon
and Rambouillet breeds. As the name implies, the underbelly of the American
Blackbelly is black, as is the inside of the legs, the back part of the thighs,
and the hair inside the ears. Two black facial barbs extend down the muzzle
medial to the eye, giving the breed an exotic appearance.
Through selective breeding, the
American Blackbelly has retained the coloration of its Barbados Blackbelly
parent stock, but can be easily distinguished by the presence of horns on the
rams. It is harder to identify which breed a ewe represents because American
Blackbelly females may be polled, scurred, or horned, with the majority being
polled. Because this sheep is popular with the trophy hunting markets,
"trophy racks" are heavily selected for in American Blackbelly
breeding stock.
American Blackbelly are hair
sheep, although in some areas of the U.S., American Blackbelly may develop a
winter undercoat of fine wool fiber that is shed in the spring. American
Blackbellies are known for their vitality, thrift, easy lambing, and lean
carcass.
About American Blackbelly Sheep
