Also Known By: Leine Sheep

 

Until 1866, the “old” German Leineschaf used to comprise 17% of the total sheep population of the Kingdom of Hannover, and is nearly extinct today. Very early it was crossed with English Leicester and Cotswold to improve the meat yield and body shape. In 1906, breed characteristics were established and by 1937 the new cross-bred Leineschaf population reached more than 77,000. Its main breeding area was between Goettingen and Hannover, where the flocks grazed along the valley of the Leine river.

 

The white Leineschaf is a medium to large-sized, robust and frugal landrace sheep that loves to march. It has a long, graceful head, that is free of wool and horns. Ears are long and slightly hanging.

 

Ewes weigh 55-65 kg and produce around 4 kg of wool. Rams weigh 100-125 kg with a fleece weight of 6-7 kg. Wool has a fiber diameter of 33-36 microns.

 

 

References

Gesellschaft zur Erhaltung alter und gefaehrdeter Haustierrassen e.V., Schwerpunkt Schafe und Ziegen, Postfach 1218, 37202 Witzenhausen, Germany Tel. 05542/1864