The Lincoln sheep is a dual purpose breed of domestic sheep originated from United Kingdom. It is also known as Lincoln Longwool, and it is the largest breed of British sheep. It was developed specially for producing the heaviest, longest and most lustrous fleece of any breed in the world. Today, the Lincoln sheep breed is available in many countries around the world. Lincoln is actually a very old breed of sheep. And it is said that ‘the modern Lincoln sheep is the result of crossing the Leicester and the coarse native sheep breeds of Lincolnshire’.
Lincoln breed was first imported into the United States at the end of the 18th century. But has never gained much popularity in the United States. However, the National Lincoln Sheep Association was founded in the United States in the year of 1891.
Origin and history of Lincoln Sheep
The Lincoln is a breed of domestic sheep that originated in Lincolnshire, England in the early 18th century. The development of the breed aimed to improve wool quality and also meat production. These sheep were developed from a mix of local sheep breeds and imported breeds (including some from the Spanish Merino and the Dishley Leicester. The goal of the development was to produce a sheep that could thrive in the British climate and produce high-quality wool and meat.
Characteristics
The Lincoln sheep have deep body, and they are relatively large animals. They are probably the world’s largest domestic breed of sheep. They may be completely white in color. They also come in shades of black, charcoal, gray and silver. Fleece of these sheep is carried in heavy locks that are often twisted into a spiral near the end. The staple length in these sheep is among the longest of all the sheep breeds.
The staple length range from 8 inches to 18 inches. They produce the heaviest and coarsest fleeces of the long-wooled sheep. Fleece of ewe weight between 5.4 to 9.1 kg. The fleece has a numeric count of 36’s – 46’s and ranges from 41.0 to 33.5 microns in diameter.[1] Average body weight of the mature Lincoln rams is between 110 and 160 kg. And average body weight of the mature ewes is between 91 and 113 kg.
Dietary requirements
Like many other domestic sheep breeds, the Lincoln sheep also stay happy and active if you provide them with very good quality and nutritious food. High quality pasture grass is the primary food source of this sheep breed. They graze on a variety of grasses which provide them essential nutrients and fiber. You can also feed them hay during the winter when pasture is scarce. Alfalfa hay is used for feeding these sheep mainly for it’s higher protein content. Providing the sheep with grains occasionally will also be beneficial. Especially the pregnant or lactating ewes and growing lambs. Grains are very good source of energy.
Pellets are specially formulated feed used in commercial sheep farming business to meet the nutritional needs of the animals. Supplement their diet with mineral mix that includes salt, calcium, phosphorous and other essential minerals. Also add vitamins in their diet if you notice vitamin deficiency. And always try to provide your animals with enough clean and fresh drinking water as per their demand.
Housing requirements
Housing requirements of the Lincoln sheep is very simple. Like other sheep breeds, they also stay healthy and active if you provide them with basic housing facilities. You can build barns, sheds or just a three-sided shelter for keeping your sheep. Install good ventilation system inside the house to ensure better airflow. Provide them dry bedding by using straw, hay or wood shavings. Clean their house on a regular basis and maintain hygiene.
Lincoln sheep are large in size and they require more space as compared to other sheep breeds. Generally a mature sheep require between 10 and 15 square feet housing space. Ensure good drainage system inside the house, and ensure the floor is non-slip, especially when wet. Try to keep separate room inside the house for different types of sheep of different age group.
Reproduction
The Lincoln sheep are naturally very good breeders. They will breed easily and will produce offspring if you keep good ratio of rams and ewes in your farm. Generally one mature ram is enough for breeding around or up to 30 ewes. The ewes are excellent mothers.
Behavior
The Lincoln sheep are social animals and they prefer to stay together in a group. They become stressed if isolated. The ewes generally bond closely with their lams and also with other flock members. They spend much of their time grazing and prefer fresh, high-quality forage. They have a strong flight response and they can become stressed with sudden changes or rough handling. They generally seek shelter from extreme weather conditions and they groom themselves and each other to maintain cleanliness and social bonds. They are easily handled and friendly with humans.
Lifespan
Average lifespan of the Lincoln sheep is between 10 and 12 years. Although, they can even live longer if you take good care of them.
Popularity and price
The Lincoln sheep are well known for their large size, long wool and also good meat quality. Although, they are not as widely recognized as some other domestic sheep breeds. Price of Lincoln sheep for commercial use generally range between $150 and $400 per head. While the price of high-quality breeding stock can range from $300 to $800 or even more depending on their pedigree and health condition.
Uses
The Lincoln sheep are used for their meat and long wool.
Lincoln is a very large breed of domestic sheep which are popular for their long wool, big size and good meat quality. They can be a great addition to your farm. Consider sharing this post with your friends and family members if you find it helpful. Good luck!
