<<How many sheep breeds do that? Other than the big horn sheep? Interesting!>>
North Ronaldsay (also known as Orkney) sheep also "shed" their fleece
each year. They are a rare breed, also a primitive breed with dual
coat. They have not been "improved" or selectively breed for more
than 100 years, and minimally before that. Soay is another primitive
breed, also from the northern islands of Scotland, that shed their
fleece.
Shetlands were bred in the 19c to not lose their fleece, so the
shepherd could control when to shear (same reason shedding/moulting
was bred out of most breeds centuries ago.) Some animals still do,
some show a slight rise in spring, depends on the animal and breeding.
Deborah
p.s. if you want to read more about NR sheep, I did a Fiber Basics
article for Spin Off, ran in the summer 06 issue.
To stop mail temporarily mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
with the message: set nomail To restore send: set mail
