Strange Breed: The Beltex sheep

The Beltex sheep is a breed of domestic sheep, which was originated from Belgium. It is a portmanteau of Belgian and Texel, and name of the breed reflects the breed’s origin as an offshoot of Texel sheep from Belgium.

The breed was exported to the United Kingdom in the late 1980s. And the breed was primarily refined into its modern form there.

The Beltex sheep breed is primarily used as a terminal sire in Europe. The rams are prized for mating with ewes for producing lambs for meat. Today the breed is raised mainly for meat production.

The Beltex sheep are medium to large sized animals. Main characteristics of these animals aredouble-muscledhindquarters, coupled with fine bones, which ensures maximum killing-out percentage of the finished lamb.

Beltex sheep have white face, and their wool is of medium length. Both rams and ewes are generally polled. Average body height of the mature ewes is around 50cm, and around 60cm for the rams.

Average live body weight of the mature rams is around 90kg. And the mature Beltex ewes on average weight around 70kg.

The Beltex sheep is a meat sheep breed. It is raised mainly for meat production.

The Beltex are strong and hardy animals. They are welladapted to their local climates.

Today the breed is raised mainly for meat production. But it is also used as terminal sire in Europe.

The Beltex sired lambs are born with ease and are thrifty. The finished lambs yield a high killing-out percentage and a carcass with well-fleshed legs, good eye muscle and a long loin. However, review full breed profile of the Beltex sheep in the following chart.

-Roy’s Farm