If you are looking for
Commercial Sheep, Pedigree Sheep, or just a lawn mower then.....the Devon
Closewool could be the sheep for you. Want to find out more?
Then, read on!
The
Devon Closewool Sheep Breeders Society was formed in 1923, but this breed
of sheep has been in existence for well over 100 years, the original home
being Exmoor and its borders, but now the breed is much more widespread.
Devon Closewool sheep before export to New Zealand The Devon Closewool is a
medium sized white faced sheep without horns, and a good fleece of wool, it
has a good bone, standing on stout legs set apart giving it a very
symmetrical appearance. The nostrils are black, the ears short being
covered with fine white hair.
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Hilda Ley with Champion Ram |
Champion Closewool Ram |
The neck is short and
thick well set into the shoulders, the ribs are well sprung with good depth.
The back is well set up, is big and wide, and the leg of mutton is well let
down
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Fleece of yearling Ewe
4Kg
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Fleece of yearling Ram 6Kg |
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Pure Devon Closewool sheep |
The wool of the Devon
Closewool is ideally suited to the home spinner and also modern
manufacturing processes, it should contain no black fibre and therefore
commands a premium price.
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The wool is
close and fine with a wool count of 48 - 53. The fleece
enables the Closewool to withstand wind and rain, it does not
part easily so the skin stays dry. This enables the sheep
to thrive in conditions that other sheep would not flourish in. |
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Champion fleece |
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The Closewool can graze
marginal land The breed is primarily a
grassland sheep and is very hardy, having a docile temperament. This
makes the Closewool an ideal sheep for the first time flockmaster, or the
commercial farmer looking for an easy care, low input sheep.
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Devon
Crossbred Ewes
and lambs thrive in variable climates & terrain |
For those interested in crossing, either sex is suitable. The crosses
are first rate for prime lambs, making good weights in a short period of
time without artificial feeding.
Prime lambs will also
finish easily, the carcass being recognised as ideal. Many are
slaughtered at 12 weeks, but they will continue to thrive if kept longer.
The
Devon Closewool Halfbred section was formed in the early 1980's, the most popular cross now
being the Blue Faced Leicester to produce the Closewool mule.
The half-breed has the
ability to thrive well in various climates and farming conditions,
the ewes have an abundance of milk, are hardy, prolific and durable.
Fancy a day out?
Come to the shows, talk to the members,
have a drink, we would be glad to see you and answer any questions you might
have. Classes for pure bred Devon Closewool sheep have been held at the following shows;
please contact Phil Dallyn to verify.
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The Devon County
Show
North Devon Show
Exford Show
The Royal Bath & West
Dunster Show
Okehampton Show
Mid-Devon Show
Royal Smithfield Show |
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Ken Ley
judging |
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Jim & Hilda Ley |
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Sara Dallyn
with champion pair |
Phil
Dallyn with Devon County champion |
As well as meeting fellow breeders at the shows, why not come along to the
annual dinner and dance, or join us at the skittles evening against other
societies?
Now that you have seen the sheep, and you
want some, where do you get them? Firstly we have an annual sale at
Blackmoor Gate in September for males and females, but if you can't wait
that long contact Phil Dallyn.
Remember
The
Devon Closewool is a sheep breed in the west country which will thrive in
any climate, on any system, it will suit both the experienced or novice
sheep breeder. We look forward to
hearing from you. |
