Gotland sheep raised primarily for meat and pelt. The breed originated from the island of Gotland, Sweden. The Gotland sheep produce good flavored meat and long wool, which is essential for Sweden’s conditions.
Gotland sheep breed information
Gotland is a medium-sized gray-colored breed that is hornless and short-tailed.
A dual-purpose breed which is known for its pelt and meat production
The mature Gotland ram weighs 80 kg (180 lb) and ewe weighs 63 kg (140 lb)
High lambing rate, easy to lamb, good mothers and plenty of milk for young ones.
lambs are active and fast-growing which can reach 40 kg (90 lb) in a span of 7 to 8 months.
Gotland fleece is dense, curly and long with a diameter of 29 to 34 microns.
Gotland fleece is so lustrous and silky which are preferred by hand-spinners and fiber artists.
A hardy breed and adaptable to a variety of climatic and management conditions.
Gotland temperament is calm, friendly and docile.
Gotland also helps in pasture management.
Things to know
The Gotland Peltsheep (pälsfår) or modern Gotland has been developed in Sweden since the 1920s through controlled breeding and intensive selection, producing a true multipurpose longwool sheep, yielding good flavored close-grained meat, fur skins, and soft, silky, lustrous fleece.
The Vikings brought with them Karakul and Romanov from Russia and crossed them with local landrace sheep, called the Gute which resulted in Gotland breed.
Gotland helped in the development of related breeds such as Goth sheep, Icelandic, Finnsheep, Shetland, North Ronaldsay, and Manx
Gotland pelts are famous all over the world.
Since 2003, the USA is pushing Gotland breed to improve.
American Gotland Sheep Society was formed in 2006 to promote the sheep.
Gotland sheep may also be found in Sweden, Britain, Denmark, New Zealand, and Australia.
Brief characteristics of Gotland sheep
| Breed Name | Gotland sheep | |
| Other Name | Gotland Peltsheep or Pälsfår | |
| Country/Place of Origin | Sweden | |
| Breed Purpose | pelt and meat | |
| Breed Size | medium | |
| Weight Ram(Male) | 80 kg (180 lb) | |
| Ewe(Female) | 63 kg (140 lb) | |
| Kidding | single | |
| Good for Stall Fed | open grazing | |
| Climate Tolerance | local conditions |
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