The Roslag sheep is a breed of domestic sheep from Sweden. Currently it is an endangered breed and mainly found in it’s native area. It is also called as Roslagsfår in Swedish.
The breed was actually originated from the remnant populations of Swedish landrace sheep breeds that used to be rather common all over the countryside.
But the breed is usually believed to have come from Raggarön in Roslagen, Sweden. Although there is considerable genetic variation in most of the northern European sheep breeds, Roslag sheep, as well as Dala Fur sheep (also originating in Sweden) and Estonian Ruhnu sheep exhibit the highest within-population inbreeding due to declining numbers of the breeds.
Currently the Swedish Peasant Sheep Association is responsible for the breed’s conservation and represents the interests of individuals breeding Roslag Sheep.
Some owners of these animals are members of the Swedish Sheep Breeder’s Association, and they follow the breeding plan for the breed determined by the Swedish National Board of Agriculture.
The Swedish Sheep Breeders’ Association registers those sheep holders or farmers who are entitled to environmental subsidies for the conservation of endangered breeds. However, read some more information about the Roslag sheep breed below.
Roslag Sheep Characteristics
Roslag sheep are a medium sized animal. They are generally of white or ivory colored, although around 10 percent of the population are black or white-black-bi-colored.
They have short tail, and their wool is of carpetwool type. The wool is of pretty good quality with long, straight or curly guard hair and a thick cover of underwool which can be up to 30 cm long. The Roslag ewes are polled and the rams are horned.
As a medium sized animal, average live body weight of the mature rams is around 50 kg. And the mature ewes on average weight between 35 and 40 kg. Photo and info from Wikipedia.
Uses
The Roslag sheep is a dual purpose animal. It is raised for both wool and meat production.
Special Notes
The Roslag sheep are pretty hardy and strong animals. They are generally used for both meat and wool production. Their wool is of pretty good quality with long, straight or curly guard hair.
The ewes can lamb throughout the entire year, and generally have only one lamb. Although twins do occur. However, review full breed profile of the Roslag sheep in the following chart.
| Breed Name | Roslag |
| Other Name | Also called as Roslagsfår in Swedish |
| Breed Purpose | Meat and wool |
| Special Notes | Very hardy and strong animals, good for both meat and wool production, wool is of pretty good quality, wool is covered with long straight or curly guard hair, ewes can lamb throughout the entire year |
| Breed Size | Medium |
| Weight | 35-50 kg |
| Horns | Rams have horns, but the ewes are polled |
| Climate Tolerance | Native climates |
| Color | White or ivory |
| Rarity | Common |
| Country/Place of Origin | Sweden |
