Our 2007 lambs are here!

WELCOME!

THE GOTLAND BREED OF SHEEP (and its magnificent wool!) has become world renowned since the movie "Lord of the Rings" featured the Magic Elvin Cloak made of Gotland wool.

History

The breed originated on the Island of Gotland in the Baltic sea, off the East Coast of Sweden.

Gotland sheep are direct descendants of the Gute breed. Gutes are a horned breed and are members of the North European Short Tail breeds. Other noted members of this group are the Finnsheep, Romanov, Shetland and Icelandic sheep.

Besides the Gutes, Karakuls and Romanovs are thought to have been brought to the Gotland Island by the Vikings and may have played a role in the development of the modern Gotland sheep. Others feel that Leicester and Rya breeding were introduced and helped create today's Gotland.
Qualities.

Description

No matter what the true genetic background of the Gotland is, they are a very unique breed with some very desirable qualities:

• Gotlands are quiet, friendly and very inquisitive sheep. They are ideal for a small flock management system.
• Gotlands are small sheep in relationship to most American breeds. The mature weight of Gotland rams is between 165 to 187 pounds (75-85 kg) and they are approximately 26 inches (65 cm) tall at the withers. Ewes weigh between 110 to 154 pounds (55-70 kg).
• Gotlands are known for being very hardy and therefore are referred to as the "Gotlandic Outside Sheep."
• They are a prolific breed and on average they produce a 180% lamb crop and are excellent mothers.
• At birth the lambs are normally very vigorous and are up nursing within minutes of birth.
• The lambs are born black but normally turn various shades of gray/silver as they mature.
• Lambs reach slaughter weight at about 4-5 months of age.