Jezersko Solčava sheep are a breed of domestic sheep from Slovenia, the Eastern Alpine region of Europe. It was the most numerous breed of sheep in southern Carinthia, Friuli and Slovenia.
The name of this breed comes from the Jezersko and Solchava regions. The breed is also known by other names such as Zeeland sheep Where sheep disease, sheep with glasses, carinthian sheep, Seelaenderschaf, sheep glasses, carinthian sheep (German), Jezersko-Soltsava sheep (Slovenian), woman, Thingolaand Jezerka. Besides availability in its native region, the breed is also bred in parts of Austria, Germany, and Italy. And a small amount was imported to Serbia in 1991.
The demand for wool dropped in the early 20th century and attempts were made to improve the meat productivity of the Jezersko Solčava sheep by crossing with the large-framed Bergamasco, a heavy meat breed from northern Italy.
And the overall population of these animals continued to decline after World War II, reaching a low in the 1980s, when there were only around 200 animals left in Austria.
The total population of Slovenia at the end of 2013 was 4,973, Italy 5,112, Austria 6,500-727, and Germany 17,200.
Today, the Jezersko Solčava sheep is distributed throughout Slovenia, Serbia, Italy, Austria and Germany. Learn more about this European breed of sheep below.
Characteristics of the Jezersko Solčava sheep
Jezersko Solčava sheep are medium-sized animals with a distinctly convex profile. They are mostly white in color and have black patches around their eyes that give them the appearance of wearing glasses.
They have droopy ears, the lower part of the ears – from one to two thirds – is black. Usually rams and sheep are polled, that is, they have no horns. Their lips and chin may be covered in blackheads. They have medium sized legs with strong hooves.
The average height of an adult ram is about 81 cm, and that of a ewe about 75 cm. The average body weight of a mature flush Jezersko Solčava is 75-80 kg. And the average live weight of sexually mature ewes ranges from 55 to 65 kg. Photos and information from Wikipedia.
Advantages
Jezersko Solčava sheep are dual purpose animals. They are bred for meat and wool.
Special Notes
Jezersko Solčava sheep are strong and hardy animals. They are well adapted to local conditions and also do well in some other European countries.
They have strong hooves which help them move well over rough pastures. They are dual-purpose animals that are bred for both meat and wool production.
Their meat is of good quality and is in high demand. They are also good for wool production and usually yield around 4-5 kg per year. The wool is fine and of very good quality.
The ewes of Jezersko Solčava graze the lamb twice a year, with a mating rate of 70%. However, check out the full breed profile of the Jezersko Solčava sheep in the following table.
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| Breed name | Jezersko Solcava |
| Other names | Also known by other names such as Seeländer Schaf or Villnösser Schaf, Brillenschaf, Carinthian Sheep, Seelaenderschaf, Spectacles Sheep, Kärntner Brillenschaf (German), Jezersko-Solčavska Ovca (Slovenian), Fiemmese, Jezerka and Tingola. |
| Purpose of the breed | meat and wool |
| Special Notes | Robust and strong animals, well adapted to the local climate, suitable for both meat production and the production of quality wool. |
| Breed size | medium |
| The weight | The weight of rams is 75-80 kg, the body weight of sexually mature sheep is 55-65 kg. |
| horns | Not |
| climatic tolerance | local climate |
| Color | rather white |
| scarcity | general |
| Country/place of origin | Slovenia |
