Coopworth Sheep Breed Information
![]() The Coopworth sheep breed originated in New Zealand. The Coopworth breed was developed by crossing Romney and Border Leicester sheep during the 1950's and 1960’s and the breed was introduced to the United States in the later part of the 1970’s. Coopworth sheep grow to be average size and are known for having a white face and (mostly) bare legs, though natural colored Coopworths are also found around the world. Several wool styles are acceptable within the Coopworth sheep breed, though breed characteristics state that the fleece should be uniform on the body of any one animal and the crimp should be well-defined. The Coopworth breed description also states that if there is wool on the legs there's usually very little. Coopworth sheep are known as being a breed which lambs easily and Coopworth ewes are typically excellent mothers. The head, face and body-type of Coopworth sheep closely resembles that of the Romney - the main difference is a slightly longer nose. Romney sheep tend to have slightly more wool around their face and ears as well. Coopworth also tend to be slightly larger than Romney sheep - a trait inherited from their Border Leicester ancestors. Coopworth wool is excellent: long in length, lustrous, and quite thick. Today Coopworth sheep are a popular breed, raised primarily for wool. They can be found throughout the U.S., Australia, Europe and New Zealand.
|
Coopworth Sheep Breed Information
MATURE BODY WEIGHT
Ram 175-275 lb. Ewe 140-175 lb. AVERAGE FIBER DIAMETER Micron 30-36 USDA Wool Grade 44’s-50’s GREASE FLEECE WEIGHT Ewe 12-18 lb YIELD 50-65% STAPLE LENGTH 5-8" |