The Blue Texel breed originates from the Netherlands; they were originally recorded during the early 1970s. It was by chance that a blue sheep was born to white Texel parents. “Blue” is the geneticists name for the colour pattern and is referred to as the Abl gene – a recessive gene found in all Texel breeds. If 2 white Texels carry the “Blue” gene then there is a 25% chance of a blue lamb being born. However, if both parents are blue in colour then the lambs born will always be blue. Flocks have since been formed in the United Kingdom following importation from the Netherlands along with blue sheep being born by chance in pedigree White Texel flocks.
Blue Texel sheep, with their unusual appearance are very popular to the pedigree breeder who wants something different and also to the hobby farmer who wants a few distinctive sheep in their paddocks. However, the breed also has an appeal to the commercial farmer.
Their main qualities are:-
• Good sires
• Docile sheep
• Ewes are good mothers
• Their small heads and light bone allowing easy lambing
• Vigorous lambs which are up on their feet and sucking within minutes
• When crossbred, lambs born are mainly white
• Produce good quality carcasses
• Lambs produce good weights
Characteristics
The blue pattern found in their fleece varies from sheep to sheep; it can be a very pale colour or a slightly darker grey colour. The fleece will be darker on the shoulders getting lighter over the back. It is important to note that the colour of the fleece should not be black.
| At the base of the staple, the colour should be steel blue. |
The head should have a symmetrical white pattern similar to a halter mark. |
Ears should have white tips. |
Symmetrical white markings |
Further information regarding the characteristics of Blue Texel sheep can be found at www.blue-texel-sheep.com