Drenthe Heath sheep are a breed of domestic sheep from the Netherlands. It is also known as Drents Heideschaapand is grown primarily for vegetation management.
This breed is considered the oldest breed of sheep in Europe. These animals were introduced to Drenthe around 4000 BC. And the Drenthe Heath sheep breed probably came with settlers from France.
The breed was bred due to depletion of sandy soils, a legacy of Ice Age glaciers.
The sheep that have always supported the moors have become obsolete, which nearly led to their extinction with the advent of chemical fertilizers.
Fortunately, in 1948 a herd was established in the village of Ruinen and efforts began to save the breed. Thanks to the efforts of the Dutch Rare Breeds Foundation. Learn more about this breed of sheep below.
Characteristics of the Drenthe Heath Sheep
Drenthe Heath sheep are relatively small and colorful animals. Sheep can be horned or polled, and rams are always horned.
Ram’s horns are usually spiral-shaped, while sheep’s have stick-shaped horns. The average height of adult ewes is around 47 cm or 19 inches, while that of rams is around 52 or 20 inches.
The average live weight of mature Drenthe Heath sheep is around 45 kg. And adult rams weigh an average of about 50 kg. Photos and information from Wikipedia.
Advantages
The Drenthe Heath breed of sheep is bred primarily for vegetation management.
Special Notes
Drenthe Heath sheep are beautifully horned and very beautiful animals. They are very hardy and can stay outside all year round.
They thrive in poor sandy soils such as heathland in the province of Drenthe in the northeast of the Netherlands.
A single sheep in the Drenthian Wastes typically produces one lamb per year, although it will sometimes produce two lambs if fed well.
The breed is primarily bred for vegetation management but is also quite good at meat production. The quality of the meat is appreciated for its natural aromatic taste, the result of grazing on the moors and cool meadows.
Lamb meat is sold fresh in organic markets, and a range of lamb sausages has also been developed. However, see the full breed profile of the Drenthe Heath sheep in the following table.
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| Breed name | Drenthe Heath |
| another name | Drents Heideschaap |
| Purpose of the breed | Vegetation management |
| Special Notes | Very beautiful animals, striking appearance and beautiful horns, very hardy, can stay outdoors all year round, thrive in poor sandy soils, one sheep usually produces one lamb per year, mainly bred for vegetation management, also suitable for meat production |
| Breed size | Small to medium |
| The weight | The live weight of adult rams is about 50 kg, and that of adult sheep is about 45 kg. |
| horns | Yes |
| climatic tolerance | native climate |
| Color | multicolored |
| scarcity | general |
| Country/place of origin | Netherlands |
