Norfolk Horned Sheep: Characteristics, Uses, and Breed Information

Norfolk Horn sheep are a breed of domestic sheep from the United Kingdom. It was actually developed in the sandy moors of the Breckland region of Norfolk, England.

Although previously these black-faced sheep were more common in the lowlands of Britain. The breed is also known by other names such as Horned Norfolk, Old Norfolk, Horned Old Norfolk and Blackface Norfolk Horned.

These animals are mainly found in Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridge, England. And this breed is one of the old “wildlife” breeds, which is now being revived in small quantities.

Norfolk Horn sheep were very popular in Norfolk until the middle of the 19th century (when improved breeds of sheep such as Leicester and Southdown sheep appeared).

It almost died out in 1973, but was revived through the efforts of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust at the National Agricultural Center at Stoneley and Aldenham Country Park in Hertfordshire. Learn more about this breed of sheep below.

Characteristics of the Norfolk Horn Sheep

The Norfolk Horn sheep is a medium-sized animal with a good appearance. They have a long body and long legs.

Their legs and face are black or dark brown, and both are hairless. Their coat is white with spots on newborn lambs.

Rams and ewes usually have horns and the pattern of their horns is an open spiral.

The average live weight of medium-sized adult rams ranges from 90 to 95 kg. And adult rams weigh an average of about 70 kg. Photos and information from Wikipedia.

Advantages

Norfolk Horn sheep are a breed of mutton. It is grown mainly for meat production.

Special Notes

Norfolk Horn sheep are hardy animals with a light build. They are well adapted to survive on poor food in cool but dry conditions.

In terms of temperament, they are called “flippy” and have been compared to goats for their ability to jump over obstacles such as fencing.

Today, the breed is grown primarily for meat production. And along with meat production, the breed is also used for crossbreeding.

Norfolk Horn sheep were bred with Southdown rams to produce high quality meat lambs (and this hybrid became a separate breed, the Suffolk sheep).

However, check out the full profile of this breed in the following table.

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Breed nameNorfolk Horn
another nameAlso known by other names such as Norfolk le Cornu, Old Norfolk, Old Norfolk le Cornu and Blackface, Norfolk le Cornu.
Purpose of the breedMeat
Special NotesVery hardy and strong animals, well adapted to the local climate, of light build, able to survive on poor food in cool but dry conditions, can be fickle, now bred mainly for meat, also suitable for crossbreeding.
Breed sizemedium
The weightThe weight of ewes is about 70 kg, and the weight of sexually mature rams ranges from 90 to 95 kg.
hornsYes
climatic tolerancenative climate
ColorWhite
scarcitygeneral
Country/place of originUK
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