The Romanov sheep is a breed of domestic sheep from Russia. It was actually originated from the Upper Volga region (northwest of Moscow) in Russia.
Name of this breed derived from the Romanov town. These animals were first noticed outside of Russia in the 18th century. Soon after, they were imported to Germany and then to France.
The Canadian government bought 4 rams and 14 ewes in 1980, and they were quarantined for 5 years. And some of the animals were brought into the United States after the testing.
Currently the Romanov sheep is distributed throughout the world. And today the breed is raised mainly for meat production. Read some more information about this breed below.
Romanov Sheep Characteristics
Romanov sheep is a medium to large sized breed of domestic sheep. It is one of the Northern European short-tailed sheep breeds.
These animals are usually pure black in color when they are born. But their body color quickly changes to gray, as they grow older. They are usually polled.
Average live body weight of the mature Romanov rams is between 55 and 80 kg. And average live body weight of the mature ewes vary from 40 to 50 kg. Photo and info from Wikipedia.
Uses
Romanov sheep is a meat sheep breed. It is mainly raised for meat production.
Special Notes
The Romanov sheep are very hardy and strong animals. They are well adapted to the cold inland climate and local feeding. They mature pretty faster, and reach maturity by 3-4 months of age.
They can start breeding at any time of the year. The ewes can produce quadruplets, quintuplets and even sometimes sextuplets.
These ewes tend to lamb in litters, unlike other sheep breeds who give single or twin births. The Romanov sheep are often crossed with more popular breeds for increasing their prolificacy.
The breed is currently raised mainly for meat production, but it is also pretty good for wool production.
Wool of the Romanov sheep is very strong and resourceful. Their wool is double coated with mean diameter of wool fibers of 20.9 micrometers and 71.9 micrometers of outer-coat hair.
Average greasy fleece weight is around 4.5 kg. However, review full breed profile of the Romanov sheep in the following chart.
| Breed Name | Romanov |
| Other Name | None |
| Breed Purpose | Meat |
| Special Notes | Very hardy and strong animals, well adapted to cold inland climate and local feeding, mature pretty faster, noted for very high prolificacy, can start breeding at any time throughout the year, often crossed with more popular breeds for increasing their prolificacy, currently raised mainly for meat production |
| Breed Size | Medium to large |
| Weight | Rams weight between 55 and 80 kg, and the ewe’s weight vary from 40 to 50 kg |
| Horns | No |
| Climate Tolerance | All climates |
| Color | Black and gray |
| Rarity | Common |
| Country/Place of Origin | Russia |
