The Suffolk sheep is a breed of domestic sheep from United Kingdom. It was originally developed in England as the result of crossing Southdown rams on Norfolk Horned ewes.
The result of this cross was an improvement over both parent sheep breeds. It is a black faced, and open faced breed and it is raised mainly for meat production.
The Suffolk sheep was a recognized breed as early as 1810, and the flock book was not closed until much later.
The English Suffolk Society was organized in 1886 for providing registry service and for further developing the use of the breed. Read some more information about this breed below.
Suffolk Sheep Characteristics
Suffolk sheep are among the large sheep breeds. They have black faces and legs. Their frame is large and they are usually highly muscular. Both rams and ewes are usually polled.
Average live body weight of the mature Suffolk rams is between 110 and 160 kg. And average live body weight of the mature ewes vary from 80 to 160 kg. Photo and info from Wikipedia.
Uses
Suffolk sheep is raised mainly for meat production. But it is also good for wool production.
Special Notes
The Suffolk sheep are very strong and hardy animals. They are raised mainly for meat production, and also good for the production of wool.
Fleece weights from mature ewes are between 2.3 and 3.6 kg, with yield of 50 to 62 percent. The fleeces are considered medium wool in type, with a fiber diameter of 25.5 to 33 microns, and spinning count of 48 to 58. Spider lamb syndrome is most common in the Suffolk breed.
The ewes are excellent mothers. However, review full breed profile of the Suffolk sheep breed in the following chart.
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Suffolk Sheep | Breed Profile |
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| Breed Name | Suffolk |
| Other Name | None |
| Breed Purpose | Meat, wool |
| Special Notes | Very hardy and strong animals, ewes are good mothers, dual purpose, good for both meat and wool production |
| Breed Size | Large |
| Weight | Mature rams weight around 110 to 160 kg, and average live body weight of the mature ewes vary from 80 to 160 kg. |
| Horns | No |
| Climate Tolerance | Native climates |
| Color | White |
| Rarity | Common |
| Country/Place of Origin | United Kingdom |