Blue Texel Sheep Breed Information, History & Facts
photo courtesy of Blue Texel Sheep Society (www.blue-texel-sheep.com)
The Blue Texel sheep breed was first recognized and recorded as a distinct breed during the early 1970s in the Netherlands. Natural colored, “blue” Texel sheep were accidentally born to a purebred Texel dam and sire and the unique coloration was of immediate interest to breeders who made deliberate matings to encourage the expression of the recessive blue coloration factor. By the year 1983 there were 11 flocks of Blue Texel sheep in Holland, number 213 total “blue” colored Texels.
Staboek Blauwe Texelaar, the first breed society dedicated to the Blue Texel sheep breed, was formed and the new breed’s numbers have risen to more than 6,500 sheep in 250 different flocks. To encourage genetic diversity the Blue Texel sheep society continues to register Blue Texels born to white Texel parents. The breed is now also found in the UK – the product of importation and registration of Blue Texels born to white Texel sheep in British flocks.
Staboek Blauwe Texelaar, the first breed society dedicated to the Blue Texel sheep breed, was formed and the new breed’s numbers have risen to more than 6,500 sheep in 250 different flocks. To encourage genetic diversity the Blue Texel sheep society continues to register Blue Texels born to white Texel parents. The breed is now also found in the UK – the product of importation and registration of Blue Texels born to white Texel sheep in British flocks.
About Blue Texel Sheep: What Makes Them Unique?
Blue Texel sheep are similar to their white ancestors but express a beautiful “blue” (Abl) coloration pattern – the product of a recessive gene which also may be associated with higher fertility. The distinct coloration can vary from sheep to sheep but they should not be wholly white or wholly black. Often the Blue Texel’s dark head, ears and legs will have white markings which are symmetrical and the sheep also frequently exhibit lighter wool on their flans with darker wool on their shoulders and belly. Two white Texel parents who have the recessive “blue” gene have a 25% chance of producing this coloration in their offspring, and any breeding between two like-colored Blue Texels will produce lambs of a similar coloration.
Like their white ancestors, Blue Texel sheep are valued for their competitive rate of gain, making them a popular choice as terminal sires – particularly for natural colored or crossbred sheep breeds. Blue Texel ewes are noted for their excellent mothering ability and their slightly narrower heads have been found to contribute to easy lambing. Blue Texel lambs are often vigorous and shepherds who raise this breed often note their ability to stand and nurse immediately after delivery.
Like their white ancestors, Blue Texel sheep are valued for their competitive rate of gain, making them a popular choice as terminal sires – particularly for natural colored or crossbred sheep breeds. Blue Texel ewes are noted for their excellent mothering ability and their slightly narrower heads have been found to contribute to easy lambing. Blue Texel lambs are often vigorous and shepherds who raise this breed often note their ability to stand and nurse immediately after delivery.
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Read the complete Blue Texel Breed Standard on the Blue Texel Sheep Society website
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photo courtesy of Blue Texel Sheep Society (www.blue-texel-sheep.com)
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