The Jezersko Solčava sheep is a breed of domestic sheep from Slovenia, the eastern Alpine region of Europe. It was the most numerous sheep breed in southern Carinthia, in Friuli and in Slovenia.
Name of this breed derives from the regions of Jezersko and of Solčava. The breed is also known by some other names such as Seeländer Schaf or Villnösser Schaf, Brillenschaf, Carinthian sheep, Seelaenderschaf, Spectacles Sheep, Kärntner Brillenschaf (German), Jezersko-Solcavska Ovca (Slovene), Fiemmese, Tingola, and Jezerka. Along with the availability in it’s native area, the breed is also raised in parts of Austria, Germany and Italy. And a small number was imported to Serbia in 1991.
Demand for wool dropped in the early 20th century, attempts were made for improving the meat yield of the Jezersko Solčava sheep by cross-breeding with the large-framed Bergamasca, a heavy meat breed from northern Italy.
And total population of these animals continued to decline after the Second World War, reaching a low point in the 1980s when only about 200 head remained in Austria.
And total population reported from Slovenia was 17,200 at the end of 2013, Italy reported 4973, Austria reported 5112-6500 and Germany 727.
Today the Jezersko Solčava sheep is distributed through Slovenia, Serbia, Italy, Austria and Germany. Read some more information about this European sheep breed below.
Jezersko Solčava Sheep Characteristics
The Jezersko Solčava sheep are medium sized animals with a markedly convex profile. They are mainly white in color and have black patches around their eyes, which may give them the appearance of wearing glasses.
They are lop-eared, the lower part – from one to two thirds – of the ears is black. Both rams and ewes are usually polled, that means they have no horns. Their lips and chin may be flecked with black. They have moderate sized legs, with strong hooves.
Average body height of the mature rams is around 81 cm, and around 75 cm for the ewes. As a medium sized animal, average live body weight of the mature Jezersko Solčava ras is between 75 and 80 kg. And average live body weight of the mature ewes vary from 55 to 65 kg. Photo and info from Wikipedia.
Uses
Jezersko Solčava sheep are dual-purpose animals. They are raised for both meat and wool.
Special Notes
The Jezersko Solčava sheep are strong and hardy animals. They are well suited to their local environments, and also do well in some other European countries.
They have strong hooves, which help them to browse well in rough pasture. They are dual-purpose animals and raised for both meat and wool production.
Their meat is of good quality and has good demand. They are also good for producing wool, and usually produce about 4-5 kg per year. The wool is fine and of very good quality.
The Jezersko Solčava ewes lamb twice a year, with a twinning rate of 70 percent. However, review full breed profile of the Jezersko Solčava sheep in the following chart.
| Breed Name | Jezersko Solčava |
| Other Names | Also known by some other names such as Seeländer Schaf or Villnösser Schaf, Brillenschaf, Carinthian sheep, Seelaenderschaf, Spectacles Sheep, Kärntner Brillenschaf (German), Jezersko-Solčavska Ovca (Slovene), Fiemmese, Tingola, and Jezerka. |
| Breed Purpose | Meat and wool |
| Special Notes | Hardy and strong animals, well suited to their local climates, good for both meat and quality wool production |
| Breed Size | Medium |
| Weight | Rams weight between 75 and 80 kg, and mature ewes body weight vary from 55 to 65 kg |
| Horns | No |
| Climate Tolerance | Local climates |
| Color | Mainly white |
| Rarity | Common |
| Country/Place of Origin | Slovenia |
