Bluefaced Leicester raised primarily for wool and also a “crossing sire breed‘. They are famous as longwool breeds. Bluefaced Leicester ram is crossed to Hill breed ewes resulting lambs as “Mules”. Mule ewes are then crossed with a terminal sire to produce fast-growing market lambs.
Bluefaced Leicester breed information
Has distinctive Roman nose, upright earset and deep blue skin with soft, white wool.
Both rams and ewes are polled(no horns).
Belly, face, and legs are free of wool.
They often produce triplets or quadruplets.
The mature ram weighs around 110 kg (240 lb) and ewe around 90 kg (196 lb).
They are easy to handle as they are docile and friendly.
Finest fleece with 24 to 28 microns. The locks are formed on the wool, which is why they are called a longwool breed.
The average fleece weight is between 1 to 2 kg
Things to know
Bluefaced Leicester is one of three different types of Leicesters (English/Leicester Longwool, Border and Bluefaced)
In the United Kingdom, the Bluefaced Leicester ram is crossed to Hill breed ewes (Cheviot, Scottish Blackface, Swaledale and Welsh are some examples). The resulting lambs are known as “Mules”.
Mule ewes are then crossed with a terminal sire to produce fast-growing market lambs.
Brief characteristics of Bluefaced Leicester
| Breed Name | The Bluefaced Leicester |
| Other Name | crossing sire breed |
| Country/Place of Origin | United Kingdom |
| Breed Purpose | wool |
| Breed Size | large |
| Weight Ram(Male) | 110 kg (240 lb) |
| Ewe(Female) | 90 kg (196 lb) |
| Kidding | twins, triple and quadruplets |
| Good for Stall Fed | open grazing |
| Climate Tolerance | local conditions |
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